The Journals of Parliaments

ALthough afore this time, the place hath been furnished with Orators, and therefore their matter entreated of worthily called an Oration; yet I now, void of any such knowledge, require that name may be left, and that it might bear the name of an Epistle with a Request. And for the better understanding thereof, I will divide the matter into three parts; one for time past, and the second, time present, and the third, time to come. But fearing to fall between two Mountains, as to be counted either ungrate, or dissembling, I know not what to say; but yet seeing Savage Beasts forget not them who do well unto them, as appeareth by the story of a Lyon, out of whose foot a certain Man took a Thorn, which said person, being afterwards cast to the same Lyon to be devoured, the Lyon not forgetting, but remembering the former kindness shown unto him, would not devour him, but ever after followed the same Man; even so, without too much ingratitude, can I not let pass your Majesty's manifold benefits extended upon us; which although worthily to be declared, they pass my Capacity now to express, yet think it Blasphemy to suffer it clean to be untouched, and therefore in some part will put in remembrance the same; which I will divide into two parts; the one spiritual, the other temporal. For the first, When God planted your Highness in this place, you found it not so furnished with Treasure, as other your Predecessors have, although, if you had, yet occasions enough to employ it; which notwithstanding, you did not take the extremity of Penal Statutes, and other forfeitures, due unto you, but pardoned all such, as in time convenient required it. Also your Majesty did vouchsafe to take upon you the Charge of both the States, as well Spiritual as Temporal, and so purged this Church of all ill Service, and placed therein Service to God's Honor: Further, what great Plague and Dearth happened by ill money this twenty Years last past, which within one Year is brought to good again, with little loss of your Subjects? Your Majesty prevented also, as well the Attempt in Scotland, made by your Common Enemy there, as now of late again in France; which otherwise, if it had not been foreseen, would have turned to the no little peril, and loss of this your Realm, and Subjects thereof. Also your Highness hath been Author of good Laws, as appeareth by those made, both at the last Parliament, and by your other Proclamations since. Further, finding this Realm at your Entrance in Wars, you brought it in Peace: All which former Proceedings have been a great Charge unto your Majesty, which although the Revenues of the Crown be small, yet hath it hitherto only been done of your own Charge, as the last day by the Lord Keeper it was declared. And, for the last part and principal point of all other, your Highness hath brought and restored again God's Doctrine into this Realm; for which your humble Subjects most heartily give thanks to God, and you, by the Mouth of me, their appointed Speaker.

For the second point, being time present; your Majesty is the Head, and the Body the Spiritualty and the Temporalty, which Body is to be divided into three Estates, The Lord's Spiritual, and the Lord's Temporal, and the Commons, whose Mouth I am; which by no means can prosper, the one without the other: for as any Estate divided cannot well continue, so in this; and therefore say, Nosce teipsum, not minding to speak these words only to your Highness, but to the whole Body; for although the Head may lack a Member of the Body, and yet continue; yet so the Member cannot want the Head, nor yet the Head the whole Body, but the want of the one of these last two shall be the ruin of the other; and therefore of necessity, for the sure preservation of the whole, it behooveth them firmly to join together; for though your Highness be the Head, and therefore the chief care pertaineth to you, yet your Majesty cannot thoroughly redress the same, without knowledge of the faults, nor yet well understand the whole State, except the other parts of the Body join with you, and put to their helping hands. I find in divers Histories great Commodities grow to Princes, by searching out, not only the wants of their Subjects, but knowledge of their talk; whereby they better both understand their own faults, and the Flatterers they have about them; which Order the wise and prudent Marcus Aurelius used, and long time Reigned Honourably. The noble Conqueror Alexander, in the beginning of his Reign, used the same; but leaving that Order, and having no regard to his living, was destroyed; which like Example was seen by that notable and Valiant Warrior Julius Caesar. And being encouraged by these like Examples, and others, to enter into some abuses used in this Realm, I will only speak of three, being all three notable Monsters, Necessity, Ignorance and Error. Necessity is grown amongst ourselves, so that no Man is contented with his Degree, though he hath never so much; but where she is (as the Proverb saith) she hath no Law; for how now be all Schools, Benefices, and other like Rooms furnished, and yet those for Schools so few, that I dare say a hundred Schools want in England, which before this time have been. And if in every School there had been but an hundred Scholars, yet that had been ten thousand; so that now I doubt whether there be so many learned men in England, as the number wants of these Scholars.

The second Monster is her Daughter Ignorance; for want of ten thousand Scholars, which these Schools were the bringers up of, and want of good School-masters, bringeth Ignorance; but the occasion of these two Monsters, is for want of Livings and Preferments; for Covetousness hath gotten the Livings, as by Impropriations, which is a decay of Learning. For by it the Tree of knowledge groweth downwards, and not upwards, as it was first meant, and made for; and groweth thereby greatly to the dishonor both of God and this Common-Wealth. The Universities are decayed, and great Market Towns, and others without either School or Preacher; for the poor Vicar hath but only twenty pound, and the rest, being no small sum, is Impropriate; and so thereby no Preacher there, but the people being trained up and led in Blindness, for want of instructions, become obstinate. And therefore to see to it, and that Impropriations may be redressed, notwithstanding the Laws already made.

The third Monster is Error, a Serpent with many Heads, many evil opinions, and much evil Life, as Pelagians, Libertines, Papists, and such others, leaving God's Commandments, to follow their own Traditions, affections and minds. But if the Papist be, as indeed he is, in error, let us seek the redress thereof; for that the poor and ignorant be thereby abused. Until which redress be had, you nor your Realm, neither at home nor abroad, shall ever be well served of such people, which be so divided; and therefore speedily look to it, and weed out this wickedness and error within these our days, which is too much known nowadays; for if your Godly Proclamations were not so soon forgotten, they would be amended. In the Country I heard tell, but since I came hither, walking in the streets, I have heard oftentimes more Oaths than words, a pitiful hearing! for if the Egyptians, by whose Laws the people lost their hands, and amongst the Barbarians lost their Lives, for swearing, and especially if it were a lie; if it were so punished amongst them, being Infidels, what, shall there be no punishment amongst us being Christians? Is truth further from us professing the name of Christ, and being Christians, than from them being Infidels? But even as Tantalus was Plagued, so are we; for although he had Apples even hanging at his Mouth, yet could he not eat any of them, and having a River of Water even as it were running by his Lips, yet could he not drink, but died for hunger and thirst: even so are we Plagued; for having God's word, and his name even in our Mouths, yet we live as Infidels, or as them that are furthest from the same, and so having enough, there is scarcity. And that we may avoid this Blasphemy, and the other Monsters, your humble Subjects desire your Highness to see to the lamentable Estate of this Common-Wealth, and the redress of the same.

Having perused times past, and times present, let us go to, and well remember the time to come. For Cato saith, A thing well begun shall be well ended; so then followeth of a good beginning a good ending. For that Noble Captain Hannibal, environed with his Enemies, in a strange Country, sounded his Trumpet to Council, and thereby prospered. So your Majesty hath now called the Prelates, Nobles and Commons to Council for surety of the Realm. We now so therefore Assembled, as diligent in our Calling, have thought good to move your Majesty with the assent of this Assembly, to build a strong Fort for the surety of the Realm, to the repulsing of your Enemies abroad, which must be set upon firm ground, and steadfast, having two Gates, one commonly open, the other as a Postern, with two Watchmen at either of them, one Governor, one Lieutenant, four Soldiers, and no good thing there wanting. The same to be named The fear of God; the Governor thereof to be God, your Majesty the Lieutenant, the Stones the Heart of faithful People, the two Watchmen at the open Gate, to be called Knowledge and Virtue, the other two at the Postern to be called Mercy and Truth; all being Spiritual Ministers.

This Fort is Invincible, if every man will fear God; for all Governors Reign and Govern by the two Watchmen, Knowledge and Virtue; and if you, being the Lieutenant, see Justice with Prudence her Sister executed, you shall then rightly use the Office of a Lieutenant; and for such as depart out of this Fort, let them be let out at the Postern by the two Watchmen, Mercy and Truth; and then you shall be well at home and abroad. The Charge of this Fort is yours, being Lieutenant. By Justice your place is settled, whereunto Obedience ought to be taught and done; which your Majesty ought to look to. And so now the fear of God to be a sure Fort, the Subjects Hearts the Stones, Knowledge, Virtue, Mercy and Truth, the four Watchmen, God the Governor, and your Majesty the Lieutenant, is well proved. Therefore to build upon this Fort, the fear of God, is nothing lacking to a happy Life; for by God are all Princes appointed. Who put down Saul? Who made David King, who sought only God's Glory and so prospered? as did Josaphat, Josiah and Hezekiah, and also Ahas, as long as they sought God's Glory, prospered; but forgetting God, were overthrown: Therefore first of all, and continually vouchsafe to seek God's Glory, and his true Honor, and then you shall have this Fort well built, and by you well Governed.

Further I am to be a Suitor to your Majesty, that when matters of importance shall arise, whereupon it shall be necessary to have your Highness Opinion, that then I may have free access unto you for the same; and the like to the Lord's of the Upper House.

Secondly, That in repairing from the nether House to your Majesty, or the Lord's of the Upper House, to declare their meanings, and I mistaking on uttering the same contrary to their meaning, that then my fault or imbecility in declaring thereof be not prejudicial to the House, but that I may again repair to them, the better to understand their meanings, and so they to reform the same.

Thirdly, That the Assembly of the Lower House, may have frank and free Liberties to speak their Minds, without any Controulment, Blame, Grudge, Menaces or Displeasure, according to the old ancient Order.

Finally, That the old Privilege of the House be observed, which is, that they and theirs might be at Liberty, frank and free, without Arrest, molestation, trouble or other damage to their Bodies, Lands, Goods or Servants, with all other their Liberties, during the time of the said Parliament; whereby they may the better attend, and do their Duty; all which Privileges I desire may be Inrolled, as at other times it hath been accustomed.

And thus having been tedious unto you with my Speech, void of Eloquence, I crave your Pardon, and desire your Majesty to accept of my Heart, and good Will, as well at this time as after, and I will pray as I am bounden, for your Honor long to Reign over us.

Then the Queen called the Lord Keeper, declaring her Opinion for Answering him, which he did as followeth.

M ^r Speaker, The Queens Majesty hath heard and very well weighed your Eloquent Oration, which you in the beginning required might not be so called, but that it might bear the name of an Epistle, with a Request, full of good meaning, and good matters, gathered, divided and set; which you divided, as I gather, into four parts. Three by you applied unto three times, past, present, and to come; and the fourth for your Petitions.

For times past, being the first, you opened the benefits received by us all from the Queens Majesty, since her entrance to the Crown, which you divided into two, the one Spiritual, and the other Temporal, and so in some part related the same; and thus passed with times past.

The second part for time present; after you had therein declared many notable Examples of Princes, which searched privily to understand the Commons talk and Opinion, and the benefit thereof arising, you declared to be in this Common-Wealth three Notable Monsters, viz. Necessity, Ignorance and Error, which to redress, you desired the Princes Aid.

And in the third part for time to come, you declared how the Queens Majesty and this Parliament in your Opinion, by building a Fort, named the fear of God, might take Order and live surely in time to come.

And in the fourth part, made four Petitions, the first for free access to her Person, and Upper House, the second for well taking your meaning, and the third and fourth for free Liberty of Speech and Persons.

Now for the Answering of them, her Majesty hath Commanded me to say, That for the first part she commendeth much those Godly Virtues that you opened to be in her, and also those beautiful budding benefits which you declared to come from her, and doubteth not the rather by this your remembering of them, but they shall be on her part hereafter performed, for which she thanketh you, thinking all things well bestowed, when they are well remembered.

In the second part you declare certain Monsters, which trouble this Region, and would be redressed; the Remedy whereof you declared in your third part, wherein she desireth you to travel for the bringing of it to pass.

And for the fourth part, being your Petitions, which be also four; for the first being for free access to her Person, she granteth it, not doubting of your discretion to use it, as rath as may be, not out of time, nor yet without they be matters of great importance.

For the second, that if you mistake their meanings, that they may notwithstanding redress the same, without prejudice to them; this also she granteth, although unneedful, for that she trusteth you will not offend therein; And for the third, to have free Speech she granteth also, so that it be reverently used.

And to the last point, for them and theirs to be free, without disturbance, she is pleased therewith; howbeit great regard would be therein had, not thereby to avoid or delay their Creditors, but to be well used, according to the meaning of the first grant thereof.

Now a word or two more, I would advise you, to make your Laws as few, and as plain as may be, for many be burthenous, and doubtful to understand; and so accordingly to make them as brief, as the matter will suffer; and thirdly, that you proceed to the great and weighty matters first, and then to others of smaller importance, and that so speedily as can be, whereby this Assembly may be again at their Liberties, and so end.

Then the Speaker and nether House did their Reverence, and departed, and the Queen returned into her Privy-Chamber, and shifted her, and the Lord's likewise, and then she repaired to her Barge, and so to Whitehall, unto which place the Sword was born; the Officers of Arms waited to and fro.

On Monday the 18 ^th day of January, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the last, being the Bill for the punishment of Clipping, and washing of the Queens Majesty's Coin, and other Moneys Currant within the Realm, was read the first time.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem crastinum hora Nona.

On Tuesday the 19 ^th day of January, four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being for the good Order and Government of the Garrison of Barwick, was read secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossand. and the second, being the Bill for punishment of Clipping and washing of the Queens Majesty's Coin, was read tertia vice, & commissa Archiepiscopo Ebor., Duci Norfolciae, Marchion. Northampton, Episcopo Hereford, Domino Wentworth, Domino Willoughby & Domino Hastings de Loughborough.

On Wednesday the 20 ^th day of January, the Bill touching the Government of the Garrison of Barwick, was read tertia vice & conclns. and sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Carus, and the Queens Attorney.

On Thursday the 21 ^th day of January, two Bills had each of them one reading; of which one was the Bill to repeal a Branch of a Statute, made Anno primo Edwardi 6 ^ti , touching the Conveying of Horses out of the Realm, and being read tertia vice, was concluded, and sent down to the House of Commons.

On Saturday the 23 ^th day of January, the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal Assembled, but nothing was done, save only the Parliament continued by the Lord Keeper, in usual Form, us{que} in diem Martis prox. hora nona.

On Tuesday the 26 ^th day of January, the Bill for fulling and thicking of Caps, was read prima vice, & commissa to the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Earl of Rutland, the Earl of Bedford, the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of Exeter, the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Willoughby, and the Lord Shandois; And the Bill also against forging of Evidences and Writings, was upon the first reading, Committed to the Archbishop of York, the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquess of Northampton, the Earl of Rutland, the Earl of Huntingdon, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Durham, the Bishop of Winchester, the Lord Clinton, the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord Hastings of Loughborough, the Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and the Queens Solicitor.

Nota, That this last mentioned Bill, touching the forging of Evidences, &c. was not only committed upon the first reading, which is not usual till after the second, but committed also to the Judges, being but Assistants of the Upper House, and to the Queens Solicitor, being but a mere Attendant upon the same, jointly with the Lord's, the only proper and undoubted Members of that great Council; which is to be observed, because of latter days, neither the said Assistants, nor Attendants, are ever appointed joint Committees with the Lord's, as here, but only Commanded by the House to attend upon the Committee, and thereby to give such advice as shall be required of them; which is no greater respect yielded them at a Committee, than in the House itself, sitting the Parliament; and were they still admitted to be Committees, as they usually were in all these first Parliaments of the Queen, yet could no inconvenience ensue thereby, because at a Committee things are only prepared, and made ready for the House, in which and nowhere else they ought to be concluded and expedited.

The Bill lastly for Repeal of a Statute made an. 1 Ed. 6. touching conveying of Horses out of the Realm, was concluded, and sent down to the House of Commons.

Here the House was doubtless continued until Thursday next, the 28 ^th day of this Instant January, because this being Hillary Term, the ensuing Wednesday being the 27 ^th day of the same Month, was Star-Chamber day, on which the House seldom sits; and this may be observed very usual, not only in this Journal, but in the Original Journal-Books of the Upper-House of all her Majesty's time, in whose Reign the Star-Chamber-Days were first certainly appointed to be on Wednesdays and Fridays.

True it is, that in former times, when Star-Chamber-Days were uncertain, then it is hard to guess when the House sat not by reason of them, and there seemeth to be but one direct President of it, which is entered in the Original Journal-Book, de An. xxv. Henr. 8. die Mercurii, 4 die Februarii, in these words, viz. Hodie Dominus Cancellarius, co quod die crastino Domini circa ardua negotia in Camerâ Stellatâ consultaturi, & Domini spirituales die Veneris in convocatione convers. fuerint, ex consensu totius Domus continuavit hoc praesens Parliamentum in diem Sabbati horâ consuetâ. By which President also it may be plainly collected, that the House did sometimes forbear sitting on Convocation Days, when the Lord's Spiritual were absent; Of which also there is another President in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper-House, de an. 7 Hen. 8. die 30 Novembris, where it is thus entered; Dominus Cancellarius, propterea quod Domini spirituales in Convocatione crastino die occupandi sunt, continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} ad diem Lunae. But notwithstanding these Presidents, it is plain, that the other Lord's may sit, if they please, on Convocation days, or Star-Chamber-Days; For as touching the first, it is plain by the Original Journal-Book, de an. 1 Hen. 8. that the Temporal Lord's sat every Convocation Day, though they did no other business than receive Bills from the Commons; And for the second, there is an Excellent President, tempore Jacobi Regis, to prove, that the Lord's of the Upper-House are not bound to observe Star-Chamber-Days (though usually they do) for it appears plainly by the Original Journal-Book, de an. 18 Regis ejusdem, die Martis, 24 die Aprilis, that upon a motion made that day unto the House, that there was a great Cause in the midst of hearing to be heard in the Star-Chamber the day following being Wednesday, the Lord's were contented to forbear sitting that day, but withal it was provided that it should not be drawn into a President, but that the House (being the supreme Court) may sit upon any Star-Chamber day, notwithstanding the absence of such Lord's, as do use to attend that Court: And accordingly the House was Adjourned unto the next day, being Wednesday, in the Afternoon. And the next Star-Chamber Day, being Friday, the 26 ^th day of April, the House did sit both in the Forenoon, and in the Afternoon.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Jovis prox. hora nona.

On Thursday the 28 ^th day of January, the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal Assembled, but nothing was done, save only the Parliament continued in usual Form, us{que} in diem Sabbati hora nona.

On Saturday the 30 ^th day of January, the Bill for Assurance of certain Lands assumed by the Queens Majesty, during the Vacation of Bishoprics, was read secunda vice (although not mentioned through the negligence of the Clerk) & commissa Archiepiscopo Eboracen. Duci Norfolciae, Marchion. Northampton, Comiti Salop. Comiti Derby, Comiti Rutland, Comiti Huntingdon, Comiti Bedford, Comiti Pembroke, Episcopis London, Dunelm. Winton. Hereford, Elien. Domino Clinton Admirallo, Domino Howard de Effingham Camerario, Domino Dacres de Gillesland, Domino Lumley, Domino Rich, Domino Willoughby, Domino Hastings de Loughborough, & Domino Hunsden, ac dnobus primariis Justiciariis & Primario Baroni Scaccarii.

Nota, That here the Judges, who are but Assistants unto the Upper House, are made joint Committees with the Lord's; see also a like President on Tuesday the 26 ^th day of this Instant January foregoing.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Lunae prox. hora nona.

On Monday the first day of February, the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal Assembled, but nothing was done, save only the Parliament continued in usual Form, us{que} in diem Mercurii prox. hora nona.

On Wednesday the 3 ^d of February, the Lord's also Assembled, but nothing was done, save only the Parliament continued by the Lord Keeper, us{que} ad diem Sabbati prox. hora nona.

On Saturday the 6 ^th day of February (to which day the Parliament had been on Wednesday last continued) a Bill against forging of Evidences and Writings, was read the first time.

On Monday the 8 ^th day of February, the Bill against forging of false Deeds and Writings, was read the second time, & commissa ad ingrossand.

On Tuesday the 9 ^th of February, the Bill touching Pewterers, was read the first time.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Jovis prox. hora nona.

On Thursday the 11 ^th day of February, the Bill against forging of false Deeds and Writings, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, and sent down to the House of Commons by the Queens Attorney and Solicitor.

On Monday the 15 ^th day of February (to which day the Parliament had been on Thursday last continued) The Bill touching Fines to be levied in the County Palatine of Durham, The Bill against carrying over Sea of Sheep Skins and Pelts, not being Staple Ware, And the Bill to revive certain Statutes Repealed for Servants robbing their Masters, the punishment of the Vice of Buggery, against fond and phantastical Prophecies, and for the punishment of Invocation of evil Spirits, Inchantments, Witchcrafts and Sorceries, were brought from the House of Commons, and each of them read prima vice.

Two Bills also had each of them their first and second reading, of which the latter, being the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Thomas Brooke, William Cromer, and Cutbert Vaughan, and others, commissa fuit Domino primario Justiciario Com. Placitor.

On Tuesday the 16 ^th day of February, the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Anne Thomas; The Bill for Restitution in Blood of the Heirs of Thomas Isely; And the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Thomas Diggs, were each of them read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice, & conclus. and were, with two others, sent down to the House of Commons, by Serjeant Carus and the Queens Attorney.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Crastinum hora nona.

On Wednesday the 17 ^th day of February, the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal Assembled, but nothing was done, save only the Parliament continued by the Lord Keeper in usual Form, us{que} in diem crastinum hora nona.

On Thursday the 18 ^th day of February, the Bill touching Fines to be levied within the County Palatine of Durham, and the Bill against carrying of Sheep Skins and Pelts over the Seas, not being Staple Wares, were each of them read tertia vice & conclusae.

On Saturday the 20 ^th day of February (to which day the Parliament had been on Thursday last continued) Three Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the first being the Bill of one Subsidy and two Fifteens and Tenths, granted by the Temporalty, was read the first time.

The Bill for Assurance of certain Lands to Sir Francis Jobson, was read the first time, whereupon the Lord's took Order that the Learned Counsel, as well of the said Francis, as of the Bishop of Durham, whom it concerned, should on Saturday then next following be heard, what could on either side be said in furtherance or disallowance of the same.

The Bill also for the Assurance of the Queens Majesty's Royal Power, over all States and Subjects within her Dominions, was brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons.

On Monday the 22 ^th day of February, two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill of one Subsidy and two Fifteens and Tenths, granted by the Temporalty, was secunda vice lect. but no mention is made, that it was either Ordered to be engrossed, or refer'd to Committees, because it had been formerly sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons.

On Tuesday the 23 ^th day of February, the Bill of one Subsidy and two Fifteens and Tenths, granted by the Temporalty, was read tertiâ vice & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclus. and sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Carus, and Doctor Huicke.

Nota, That this Bill of Subsidy, after it had passed the Upper House, was not by them altered or amended in anything, but only sent back again unto the House of Commons, to whom it did most properly belong, and is on the last day of the Parliament, or Session of Parliament, to be brought up by the Speaker of the said House, as it was at this time on Saturday the 10 ^th day of April ensuing, and presented unto her Majesty by Thomas Williams Esq Prolocutor of the said House, at this present Session, before she gave her Royal Assent to such Acts as passed.

On Thursday the 25 ^th day of February, the Bill for the Assurance of the Queens Majesty's Royal Power over all States and Subjects within her Dominions, was read the first time.

On Saturday the 27 ^th day of February, the Bill for Restitution in Blood of the Children of Thomas Cranmer, late Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bill declaring the Authority of the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, and the Lord Chancellor, to be one, were each of them read prima vice.

Eight Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the first, being the Bill of one Subsidy and two Fifteens and Tenths, granted by the Temporalty, and the second against carrying over Sheep Skins and Pelts over the Seas, not being Staple Ware, were each of them returned conclus.

This day, according to the Order formerly taken, Sir Francis Jobson, with his Counsel, came before the Lord's, and by them declared..... And no more is set down in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House; and by the negligence of the Clerk the matter is so left abruptly; but it doth plainly appear, that it was touching the Assurance of certain Lands, which concerned the Bishop of Durham, ut videas, on Saturday the 20 ^th of this Instant February foregoing.

On Monday the first day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Sons and Daughters of the late Lord Hussey, was read prima vice.

A Proviso to be annexed to the Bill for the Assurance of the Queens Majesty's Royal Power over all Estates and Subjects, within her Dominions, was read primâ & secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossand.

On Tuesday the 2 ^d day of March, Ten Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first, being the Bill for the Confirmation of a Subsidy, granted by the Province of Canterbury, and the second against such as sell Wares for Apparel without ready money, to persons under two hundred pound Lands or Fees, were each of them read prima vice.

The Bill also for Restitution in Blood of the Children of Thomas Cranmer late Archbishop of Canterbury, was read secunda & tertia vice & conclus.; and was (with the Bill for the Children of the Lord Hussey, which had likewise this day passed the House upon the third reading) sent to the House of Commons by Sir Richard Read and Serjeant Carus.

On Wednesday the 3 ^d day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading, of which the last, being the Bill for the Assurance of the Queens Majesty's Royal Power, over all States and Subjects, within her Dominions, was read tertia vice, with certain Provisions thereunto annexed by the Lord's, which were thrice severally; read, & conclus.

A Proviso annexed by the House of Commons to the Bill against forging of false Deeds, was read prima, secunda & tertia vice, & commissa Domino Rich, Domino Willoughby, Primario Justiciario Banci Regii, & Justiciario Brown; Quod Nota, Because no Bill or Proviso is usually committed after the third reading.

On Thursday the 4 ^th day of March, The Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Sir Ralph Chamberlain Knight, and John Haleston Esq; The Bill against such as sell Wares for Apparel without ready money, to persons under two hundred pound Lands or Fees; The Bill for the punishments of Vagabonds, calling themselves Egyptians, And the Bill for uniting of Churches within the City of Winchester, were each of them read secunda vice: but no mention is made, that they were either Ordered to be engrossed, or referred to Committees, because they had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

The Bill also for Restitution in Blood of William West, and the Bill for the Town of Southampton, were each of them read the first time, and thereupon committed to Justice Southcote, Serjeant Carus and the Queens Attorney.

Nota, That these two Bills last mentioned were not only committed after the first reading (which is not usual till the second) but also committed to mere Assistants, which are not Members of the House, and therefore in both respects the President is more rare and remarkable; vide consimile, on Tuesday the 26 ^th day of Jan. foregoing.

On Saturday the 6 ^th day of March, The Bill for the Subsidy of the Clergy, And the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Edward Turner, were each of them read tertiâ vice, & conclus. & commis. Servienti Carus, & Ricardo Read in Domum Communem deferend.

Three Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first was the bill for avoiding of divers Foreign Wares, made by Handy-crafts-men beyond the Seas; and the second touching Badgers of Corn and Drovers of Cattle to be Licensed.

Three Bills lastly of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the further punishment of Vagabonds, calling themselves Egyptians, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, dissentiente Comite Arundel.

On Monday the 8 ^th day of March, Six Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the third, being the Bill against such as shall sell any Wares for Apparel without ready money, &c. The Bill declaring the Authority of the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, and the Lord Chancellor to be all one, And the Bill touching the true fulling and thicking of Caps, were each of them read the third time, and concluded: Et unà cum aliâ Billa, For the making Denizens of certain Children born beyond the Seas, commissae sunt Attorn. Dom. Reginae, & Doctori Huick in Dom. Communem deferend.

Three Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the first, being the Bill against such as shall sell any Wares for Apparel without ready money, to persons under three thousand pound Lands or Fees, was returned conclus. And the last was the Bill that the Hospital Church of St. Katherine, near the Tower of London, shall be a Parish Church, and for the erecting of a School.

Two Bills lastly of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against Inchantments, Sorceries and Witchcraft, was read the first time.

On Tuesday the 9 ^th day of March, Nine Bills had each of them one reading, of which the first being the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Sir PeterCarew Knight, And the second against Inchantments, Sorceries, Witchcrafts, &c. were each of them read the second time, but no mention is made that they were either Ordered to be engrossed, or refer'd to Committees, because they had been formerly sent to the Lord's from the House of Commons.

The sixth being the Bill for the uniting and annexing of Churches, was read primâ vice, & commissa Justiciario Southcot, ut in duos libros redigatur.

On Wednesday the 10 ^th day of March, the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of William West, And the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Sir William Carew Knight, were each of them read tertiâ vice, & conclus.

Eight other Bills had each of them one reading, of which the three last, the one for Badgers of Corn, and Drovers of Cattle to be Licensed, Another touching the Lord Viscount Bindon, And the third for the relief of the Poor; were each of them read secunda vice.

On Thursday the 11 ^th day of March, the Bill for avoiding of divers Foreign Wares, made by Handy-crafts-men beyond the Seas; The Bill against fond and phantastical Prophecies; And the Bill for the punishment of the vice of Buggery, were each of them read tertia vice, & conclusae, & commissae sunt Attornato Dominae Reginae, & Doctori Yale in Domum Communem deferend.

Six other Bills also of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against Forgers of false Deeds and Writings; and the third being the Bill for Badgers of Corn and Drovers of Cattle, to be Licensed, were each of them read tertia vice, & conclus.

Four Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the first, being the Bill for the Confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy, and the second, declaring the Authority of the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and the Lord Chancellor, to be one, were each of them returned conclus.

On Saturday the 13 ^th day of March, the Bill touching the Town of Southampton, was read secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossand.

The Bill touching the Boyers of Westminster, was read prima & secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossandum. The Bill also for Confirmation of divers Liberties, granted by Letters Patents to the City of Exeter, was read tertiâ vice; And a Proviso added thereunto by the Lord's, being read prima, secunda & tertia vice; the Bill was concluded, Commun. omnium procerum assensu.

On Monday the 15 ^th day of March, Seven Bills had each of them one reading, of which the second being the Bill that the Hospital of St. Katherines near the Tower of London, shall be a Parish Church, and for the erecting of a School, was read primâ vice, and committed to the Bishop of London: Quod nota; For Bills are not usually committed until the second reading, vide tamen consimile on Tuesday the 26 ^th day of January foregoing.

The fourth also being the Bill for the Enrolment of Bargains and Sales, in the Queens Majesty's Courts of Record, in Lancaster, Chester and Durham, was read tertiâ vice, & commissa Servienti Carus, & Attornato Dominae Reginae, unà cum Bill. Civitat. Exon. in Domum Communem deferend.

Five Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the first, being the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Sir Ralph Chamberlain Knight, and John Harleston Esq, And the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Anne Thomas, Daughter and Heir of William Thomas Esq were each of them returned conclus.

On Tuesday 16. day of March, the Bill for the relief of the Poor; The Bill for uniting of Churches in Cities and Towns Corporate; The Bill for the Boyers of London, Westminster, and Southwark; And the Bill for the Confirmation of a Grant made by Letters Patents to the Town of Southampton, touching the bringing of Malmesies, and Sweet Wines by Merchant Strangers, were each of them read tertiâ vice & conclusae.

The Bill for the Assurance of the Queens Majesty's Power over all States and Subjects within her Dominions, which had been before here passed, and concluded in the Upper House, and sent down by them to the House of Commons, and from the Commons sent back again to the Lord's, with certain Provisoes and Amendments added thereunto; The said Bill needed no new reading; but the said Provisoes and Amendments, which had been added, since it had passed the Upper House, were now read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice, all at once and so passed.

The Bills for Southampton, and the Boyers of Westminster, were sent down to the House of Commons, by M ^r Solicitor, and D ^r Yale; and from thence were returned two other Bills which had passed the Upper House; the one for sundry politick Constitutions for the increase of the Navy, and the other for the Restitution in Blood of William West.

On Wednesday the 17 ^th day of March, the Bill for Assignment for the Queens Household, was read tertiâ vice; and with the Bill for uniting of Churches in Towns Corporate, and for relief of the Poor, was sent from the Lord's to the House of Commons.

The Bill for allowance to be made to the Sheriffs, being called for, the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal declared to the Lord's, that the Queen would herself take Order therein, which her pleasure and determination she willed him to signify unto them on her behalf.

On Thursday the 18. day of March, Six Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the fourth, being the Bill against Filing, Washing, and Clipping of Coins, was read the second time, and committed to be engrossed.

The Bill concerning Viscount Bindon, and the Bill for Tillage, were Ordered this day to be engrossed.

On Saturday the 20. day of March, the Bill touching peculiar Jurisdictions, was upon the second reading committed to the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Bedford, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Bangor, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, the Lord Willoughby, and the two Chief Justices.

Nota, That here the Judges, who are but Assistants unto the Upper House, are made joint Committees with the Lord's; vide a like President on Tuesday the 26. of January foregoing.

Four other Bills had each of them their third reading, and passed, and were sent to the House of Commons by M ^r Serjeant Carus, and the Queens Solicitor; of which one was for the preservation of the Woods in Sussex, and another for the punishment of Clipping, filing, rounding or washing of the Coin of this Realm, or any other Coin currant within this Realm.

Seven Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first was against fond and fantastic Prophecies; The second against Conjurations, Enchantments and Witchcrafts; And the third for the punishment of the vice of Buggery.

On Monday the 22. day of March, Five Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the punishment of such persons as shall procure and commit willful Perjury; and the Bill touching Fines and Recoveries, with Voucher, where the Original Writ is imbezilled, or lacking, were each of them read the first time, and committed to the Queens Learned Counsel.

On Tuesday the 23. day of March, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first, being the Bill for the punishment of unlawful taking of Fish, Deer, and Hawks, was read the second time.

On Wednesday the 24. day of March, the Bill for the maintenance of the Navy, with certain Provisoes added thereunto by the Lord's, was read tertiâ vice, & conclusa, and committed to Serjeant Carus, and the Queens Attorney, to be carried to the House of Commons.

The Bill also against unlawful Contracts and Bargains upon Usury, was read tertiâ vice, and rejected.

On Thursday the 25. day of March, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first, being the Bill for punishment of such persons as shall commit willful Perjury, was read the second time.

A Proviso to be annexed to the Bill for Stealing of Hawks, Deer, or Conies, was read prima, & secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossandum.

On Friday the 26. day of March, the Bill for reviving of a Statute made An. 23 H. 8. touching the making of Goals, was read secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossand.

On Saturday the 27. day of March, Six Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second, being the Bill for the punishment of unlawful taking of Fish, Deer or Hawks, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclus.

On Monday the 29. day of March, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first, being the Bill for the punishment of such persons as shall procure or commit any willful Perjury; And the second for the due Execution of the Writ, de Excommunicato capiendo; were each of them read the third time, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclus. and committed to the Queens Attorney and Solicitor, to be carried to the House of Commons.

The Bill for Plumsted-Marsh was committed to the Lord Chief Justice; Quod nota.

On Tuesday the 30. of March, Eight Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof six having been formerly ent down from the Lord's, were now returned expedited.

The seventh and eighth, being for the translating of the Bible, and other Divine Service, into the Welch Tongue; and that Chancellors, Commissaries, and Officials in Ecclesiastical Courts, shall be Graduates of one University, were each of them prima vice.

Two Bills were brought from the House of Commons; of which the second, being the Bill touching an Annuity granted to the finding of a School in Guildford, was primâ vice lect.

The Bill lastly to fill up Juries, de Circumstantibus, lacking in Wales, was tertiâ vice lect. & conclusa.

On Wednesday the 31. day of March, four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that Chancellors, Commissaries and Officials in Ecclesiastical Courts, shall be Graduates of one University, And the second for translating the Bible, and other Divine Service, into the Welch Tongue, were each of them read the second time; but no mention is made, that they were either Ordered to be engrossed, or refer'd to Committees, because they had been sent from the House of Commons on the day foregoing.

On Thursday the first day of April, the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal Assembled in the House; but nothing was done, save only the Parliament continued by the Lord Keeper in Form following.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Sabbati prox. hora nona.

On Saturday the 3 ^d day of April, Three Bills were brought from the House of Commons; of which the first was the Bill for relief of the Poor, with divers Amendments added by the House of Commons; and two Provisoes; And the second for Confirmation of Letters Patents granted to the Town of Southampton, touching the bringing in of Wines by Merchant Strangers, with a Proviso added by the Commons. The Bill touching the Annuity granted for the finding of a School at Guildford, was read tertiâ vice & conclus.

Hodie introduct. est à domo Communi Billa, touching an Assignment of the Queens Majesty's Household; with certain Provisoes thereunto added by the Commons, quae primâ, secunda & tertia vice lect. & conclus. sunt.

The Bill lastly for the Annexing of the County of Dorset to the Jurisdiction of the Bishopric of Salisbury, was read prima vice.

On Monday the 5. day of April, the Bill for the translating of the Bible, and other Divine Service into the Welch Tongue, was read the third time; and a Proviso added thereunto by the Lord's, was also thrice read, & conclus. & commissa Servienti Carus in Domum Communem deferend.

The Bill for the relief of the Poor was read tertiâ vice & conclus.

On Tuesday the 6. day of April, Five Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first being the Bill for the translating of the Bible into the Welch Tongue, with three others, was returned, & conclus. And the fifth, being the Bill touching Curriers, Shoo-makers, and other Artificers, occupying the working of Leather, was read prima vice.

The Proviso added by the Lord's to the Bill for the Town of Southampton, was read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice & conclus. & commissa Attornato & Sollicitatori Dominae Regin. in Domum Communem deferend.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in horam secundam à Meridie.

On the aforesaid Tuesday in the Afternoon, the Bill touching Tanners, Curriers, Shoemakers, and other Artificers, occupying the working of Leather, was read secundâ vice; Et nota, that the same Bill was read the day following, tertiâ vice & conclus.

On Wednesday the 7. day of April, Seven Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the one was for Orders for Bankrupts, their Goods and Chattels, Lands and Tenements, and another for Retailers of Worsted Wools in Norwich, and the County of Norfolk, with a Proviso added by the Commons.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in horam secundam à Meridie.

On the aforesaid Wednesday in the Afternoon, the Bill touching Orders for Bankrupts, their Goods and Chattels, Lands and Tenements, was read primâ vice.

On Thursday the 8. day of April, Three Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first being the Bill to take away the Misdemeanors of Purveyors and Takers, was read primâ vice.

The Bill for divers Orders for Artificers, Laborers, Servants of Husbandry, and Apprentices, was read tertiâ vice, & conclus. and sent down to the House of Commons, by Serjeant Carus and D ^r Yale.

Two Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; the one that Sanctuary shall not be allowed to defraud any due Debt, And the other was for the Paving of Kentish Town near Southwark.

The Proviso annexed by the Commons, to the Bill for Retailers of Worsted-Woolls in Norwich, and the County of Norfolk, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclus.

The Proviso annexed by the Commons to the Bill for the maintenance of Tillage; And also one other Proviso annexed to the same Bill, by the Lord's, were each of them read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice.

On Friday the 9. day of April, the Bill for Tillage was given to M ^r Attorney, and M ^r Martin, to be carried to the House of Commons.

The Bill touching Orders of Bankrupts, their Goods and Chattels, Lands and Tenements, was read secundâ vice.

Three Bills were brought up to the Lord's, from the House of Commons conclus.; of which one was touching divers Orders for Artificers, Laborers, Servants of Husbandry and Apprentices; And the second for the maintenance of Tillage; And the third for the due Execution of the Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, with a Proviso annexed by the Commons, and divers Amendments; quae primâ & secundâ vice lect. sunt; eadem Provis. tertiâ vice lect a est & conclus.

The Bill to take away the misdemeanors of Purveyors, and Takers, was read the second time, and committed to Justice Southcot: Quod nota.

The Bill for the destruction of Rooks, Coughs and other Vermin, was brought up to the Lord's, from the House of Commons; which said Bill was on the day following in the Afternoon read primâ vice.

On Saturday the 10 ^th day of April, the Bill for the reviving of a Statute made Anno xxiii ^o Hen. 8. touching the making of Goals, with a Proviso thereunto annexed by the Commons; which said Proviso was read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice, & conclus.

The Bill for the Queens Majesty's most free and General Pardon, was read primâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

Nota, That this Bill for the general Pardon, was concluded after the first reading; whereas to all other Bills three readings are required, before they can be passed.

The Bill also for Reformation of divers misdemeanors in Purveyors, was read tertiâ vice, with certain Amendments, & conclusa.

And then following the ordinary form, the Parliament was continued in manner and order accustomed; viz.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in horam primam à Mcridie.

In the Afternoon, the Bill for destruction of Rooks and Coughs, and other Vermin; And the Bill touching buying and selling of course Woolls, to make Cottons, &c. were each of them read tertiâ vice & conclus.

Two Bills were returned from the House of Commons conclus. One to take away the misdemeanors of Purveyors, and Takers, and the other touching Orders for Bankrupts, their Goods and Chattels, Lands and Tenements.

Nota, That in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, next after the setting down or entering of the two Bills aforesaid to have been returned up to the Lord's, from the House of Commons, there followeth immediately the entrance of the Prorogation of this Session of Parliament; which doubtless happened through the great negligence of Francis Spilman Esq at this time Clerk of the said Upper House: For the Queens Majesty herself, with the Lord's both Spiritual and Temporal was present in her Robes, and gave her Royal Assent to such Acts as passed; Although no presence of any of the Lord's or her Majesty, be at all marked in the said Original Journal-Book. And therefore I have caused the solemn and stately manner of the Queens coming to the Upper House; with the several Interlocutory Speeches of the Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Lord Keeper, to be inserted at large out of a written Copy, or Anonymous memorial thereof, I had by me, being doubtless the very Original Draught, set down by some Member of one of the two Houses, or at least by some other observant person, then present, while the said Speeches passed in the Upper House; for it is written in a hand and language of that very time, and in many places amended and interlined.

About three of the Clock (this present Saturday in the Afternoon) the Queens Majesty came by Water from Whitehall, and landed on the backside of the Parliament Chamber; and so the Earl of Northumberland, bearing the Sword afore her, the Dutchess of Norfolk the Train, she proceeded up into her Privy-Chamber, and there Apparel'd herself in her Parliament Robes; during which time the Lord's likewise put on their Robes, and took their Places.

On the Upper Sack sat the Lord Keeper, till the Queen came, and then he went to his place, at the Rail, on the right hand to the Cloth of Estate: On the Wooll-sack on the North-side, sat Sir Robert Catlin, and Sir James Dyer, the two Chief Justices, Sir John Mason, and Serjeant Carus, M ^r Ruswell the Queens Solicitor, and Doctor Yale.

On the Sack on the South-side, sat Sir William Cecil Secretary. Sir William Cordall Master of the Rolls, Justice Weston, Serjeant Southcott, M ^r Gerrard the Queens Attorney, and Doctor Louis.

On the nether Sack sat M ^r Spilman, Clerk of the Parliament, M ^r Powle Deputy and joint Patentee with M ^r Martin, Clerk of the Crown, M ^r Heming and some Clerks of the Signet, Dister and Permiter, before which nether Sack stood a little Table.

Then the Queens Majesty, being Apparel'd in her Parliament Robes, with a Caul on her Head, came forth, and proceeded up, and took the Seat; the Duke of Norfolk, as Earl Marshal, with his gilt Rod, before her, with the Marquess of Northampton bearing the Cap of Maintenance, and stood on her right hand, and the Earl of Northumberland the Sword, on her left hand; the Queens Mantle born over her Arms by the Lord Admiral, and Lord of Hunsdon; her Train born by the Dutchess of Norfolk, assisted by the Lord Chamberlain, and M ^r Astley Master of the Jewel-House; and so her Majesty being placed, the Duke of Norfolk, the Lord Admiral, and the Lord Hunsdon, took their places, and from time to time, as her Majesty stood up, her Mantle over her Arms, was assisted up with the Lord Robert Dudley, Master of the Horse, and Sir Francis Knowles Vice-Chamberlain.

Then all being placed, M ^r Williams the Speaker was brought in between Sir Edward Rogers Comptroller, and Sir Ambrose Cave Chancellor of the Duchy; and after one obeisance made proceeded down to the Wall, and from thence came up to the Rail, in the way making three Obeysances; and after he was up at the Rail, he made three Obeysances, and then began his Oration, as followeth.

THis it is, most Excellent and Virtuous Princess, &c. As nature giveth to every reasonable Creature to speak, so it is a grace to be well learned; and I presenting the Mouth of such a Body, as cannot speak for itself; and in the presence of your Majesty's Person and Nobles, must most humbly desire and crave of your Highness, to bear with my imperfections.

This Common-Wealth hath been by God's Providence first instituted, and since by Mans Policy continued, wherein Justice and good Counsel is most to be preferred; for Antient Law-makers, and Authors of good Laws, be worthy to be praised, and had in perpetual remembrance; and such are the Laws that we have made in this Common-Wealth, as (in mine Opinion) do excel and pass all other human Laws.

Amongst divers Authors of good Laws, we have set forth unto us, to the end they should not be forgotten, three Queens; the first Palestine the Queen, Reigning before the Deluge, who made Laws as well concerning Peace as War.

The second was Ceres the Queen, which made Laws concerning evil doers; And the third was Marc. Wife of Bathilacus, Mother to Stillicus the King, who enacted Laws for the maintenance and preservation of the good and well-doers.

And since that time, Etheldred a King in this Realm, Established Laws, and set in most beaten, high, and cross ways, a Cross, and therein a Hand, with a Ring of Gold, pointing to the most usual way, which also stood untaken away or diminished during his Life.

And so you are the fourth Queen, Establisher of good Laws, our most dread Sovereign Lady, for your time as happy as any of the three, which happiness for the present I let slip, and desire, as all our hearts do, that some happy Marriage to your contentation might shortly be brought to pass; your Majesty findings this Realm out of Order, and full of Abuses, have continually had a special care to reform the said Abuses; and for the more expelling thereof, have Congregated together this Assembly, whereby partly to your Contentation, for Reformation of the same, to its old pristine Estate, and for Money and Peace, is all that chiefly we have done; for which purposes we have agreed upon and made certain Laws, which until your Majesty have granted your Royal Assent, and so given Life thereunto, cannot be called Laws.

And herein requiring of your Majesty three Petitions, two for the Commons, and one for myself; the first for such Laws as they have made, being as yet without Life, and so no Laws, that it would please your Majesty to grant your Royal Assent unto them; Secondly, that your Highness would accept their doings in good part, that the imperfections of their Labors, by your acceptance may be supplied; for, as appeareth in sundry Histories, the persons of those Princes and Subjects have long continued, which have well used themselves one toward the other; which without neglecting of my duty, I cannot in your presence so let slip; for, as it appeareth in divers Histories, the Noble Alexander having presented unto him by one of his poor Soldiers the Head of one of his Enemies, he, not forgetting the Service of his Soldier, although herein he had done but his Duty, gave unto him a Cup of Gold, which first the Soldier refused; but after that Alexander had Commanded it to be filled with Wine, and delivered him, he received it, whereby appeareth the Noble and Liberal Heart of the said Alexander.

Also Xenophon writing of the Life of Cyrus, who being liberal of Gifts, having vanquished Croesus, and he marvelled at his liberality, said, it were better to keep it by him, than so liberally to depart from it; unto whom Cyrus answered, That his Treasure was innumerable; and appointed Croesus a day, to see the same; and thereupon took Order, that his Subjects should before that time bring in their Treasure; which being innumerable, and more than Cyrus by any other means could have given, Croesus much wondered thereat; Cyrus said, thou causest me to take of my Subjects, and retain the same; but what need I to take, when they so frankly will bring it unto me? and so as occasion serveth, ready continually to supply my want? therefore how can I be but rich, having such Subjects? but if they by my means or any other were poor, then were I poor also.

Which two worthy Examples of Alexander and Cyrus, your Majesty hath not forgotten to ensue; but with the like zeal have hitherto always used us, and now especially at this present, by your most gracious and free Pardon; for the which, and all other, they by me their Mouth, do most humbly thank you; knowledging such, and so much love and zeal of their parts towards your Majesty, as ever any Subjects did bear towards their Prince and Governor. And in token thereof, with one Assent do offer to your Highness, one Subsidy and two Fifteens, most humbly beseeching your Majesty to accept it, not in recompense of your benefits, but as a Token of their Duty, as the poor Widows Farthing was accepted, as appeareth in the Scripture.

Thirdly, That it may also like your Majesty, to accept my humble thanks in allowing, and admitting me, being unworthy of this place, and bearing with my unworthy service; and last of all, my unfitting words, uplandish and rude Speech; beseeching God to incline your Majesty's Heart to Marriage, and that he will so bless, and send such good success thereunto, that we may see the Fruits and Children, that may come thereof, so that you, and they, may prosperously, and as long time Reign over us, as ever did any Kings or Princes, which God for his Mercies sake grant unto us. And so he ended, making his Obeysance.

Then the Queen called the Lord Keeper unto her, Commanding him, in her Name, to Answer him, as she then declared unto him; which followeth.

M ^r Speaker, The Queens Majesty hath heard how humbly and discreetly you have declared the Proceedings, and for Answer hath Commanded me, that I should utter three or four things, the first for her Royal Assent to the Acts made at this Parliament; Secondly, How comfortably, and also thankfully, her Majesty accepteth your Liberality; And thirdly, For the Executing of the Laws.

Here my Lord's and Masters, although I cannot declare, or open it unto you, as her Majesty hath Commanded me; and therefore willingly would hold my Tongue, if I might, which, for that I cannot be so excused, say unto you as followeth; not doubting of her Highness Clemency in bearing with me herein.

First, Her Majesty considereth how wisely you have done, for the abolishing of the Romish Power, the Common Enemy of this Realm; remembering your care for the defense of the same Realm, your respects for the maintenance of Victual, the banishment of Vagabonds, and relief of the Poor, with other: And therefore alloweth your worthy Proceedings herein.

Secondly, Your Liberality and Benevolence, wherein your wise Considerations towards her Charges, is by her Majesty taken in thankful part; and I take it to be my Duty, to put you in remembrance, that although this Subsidy is made, and to be born by Subjects, not daily accustomed thereunto; but that at her first entrance she had the like; and that the grant thereof is more liberal than afore hath been accustomed, and that it is of your necessity, yet it is to withstand a greater necessity, that for fault thereof would else have ensued; and therefore that penny is well spent that saveth a groat; which also hath been granted, neither with persuasions, threats, nor sharp words, which afore this time hath been accustomed, but by one general consent of you all; wherein appeareth your good wills, and benevolent minds, you bear to her Majesty, which zeal she most accepteth; and as she hath cause, thanketh you.

Again, by her Majesty's Commandment, she remembering by whom, why, and to whom this was granted, doth think as freely as you have granted the most part whereof hath been accepted, and lest those that have so freely offered should not be so ready towards the gathering, thinketh it much better to lose the sum granted, than to lose your benevolent minds.

Thirdly, To the Execution of Laws, I have little to say, although the whole substance consisteth therein; because I did in the beginning of this Parliament declare my Opinion in that matter; and therefore, as now you have to your Charges taken pains in making good Laws, so put to your helps, to see these and all other Executed; for as it is infallible, that a thing done unconstrained, is much better than when they be constrained thereunto, even so her Majesty willeth you to look well, without more words, to the Execution, lest her Grace should be driven to do, as she doth in her Ecclesiastical Laws, make Commissions to inquire, whether they be done or no; whereby she shall know those Justices and Officers, who have done their Duty, and are to be used in service of Justice, whereof her Majesty desireth to have many; and again she shall understand who are to be barred from the like rooms, and the penal Statutes to be on them Executed, after this gentle warning: which inquiry I know is like to fall on me, as well as another. Howbeit, if Justice be not Executed, I shall be glad to see this Order taken. Notwithstanding, her Majesty hopeth that this her admonition shall not need, for that you see Laws without Execution, be as a Torch unlighted, or Body without a Soul: therefore look well to the Executing. Here endeth the three things, which her Majesty commanded me to say unto you.

Besides this, her Majesty hath to Answer your Petitions, and as to the first, in which you desire her Royal Assent to such matters as you have agreed upon; to that she saith, how at this present she is come for that purpose.

And for your other Petitions, to accept in good part, as well your service as the travails and doings of the nether House, this Parliament; and to that she Answereth, how that she doth not only accept them in good part, but also thanketh both you, and them for the same.

And touching your request before this made unto her, for her Marriage and Succession, because it is of such importance, whereby I doubted my own opening thereof, and therefore desire her Majesty, that her meaning might be written, which she hath done and delivered to me, to be read as followeth.

SInce there can be no duer Debt than Princes words, which I would observe, therefore I Answer to the same; thus it is. The two Petitions, which you made unto me, do contain two things; my Marriage, and Succession after me. For the first, If I had let slip too much time, or if my strength had been decayed, you might the better have spoke therein; or if any think I never meant to try that Life, they be deceived; but if I may hereafter bend my mind thereunto, the rather for fulfilling your request, I shall be therewith very well content.

For the second, the greatness thereof maketh me to say and pray, that I may linger here in this Vale of Misery for your Comfort, wherein I have witness of my Study and Travail, for your Surety; And I cannot with Nunc dimittis, end my Life, without I see some foundation of your Surety after my Grave Stone.

These foregoing Speeches being thus transcribed out of the very Autograph, or Original Memorial of them, as aforesaid; now follows the form and manner of her Majesty's Royal Assent to such Acts as passed.

Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper, Commanded the Clerk of the Crown to read the Acts; whereupon M ^r Thomas Powle, as Joint-Patentee, and in the absence of M ^r Martin, Clerk of the Crown, stood up before the little Table, set before the Wooll-sacks, and after Obeysance made, began to read the Titles of the same, as followeth.

An Act for the Assurance of the Queens Majesty's Royal Power over all States and Subjects, within her Dominions.

Then Francis Spilman Esq Clerk of the Upper House, standing up, after Obeysance made, read her Majesty's Answer, in these words; viz.

La Roigne le veult.

And then both the Clerk of the Crown, and the Clerk of the Upper House, made Obeysance together.

Thomas Powle Esq Clerk of the Crown, standing up, did read the Title of the Bill of Subsidy, and then Francis Spilman Esq Clerk of the Upper House, standing up likewise, did read the Queens Majesty's Answer, in manner and form following; viz.

La Roigne remercye ses loyaulx subjects, accept leur benevolence, & ainsi le veult.

The said Clerk, having read the Queens Acceptance and thanks for the Subsidy given as aforesaid, did then, upon the reading of the Title of her Majesty's Pardon, by the Clerk of the Crown as aforesaid, pronounce in these French words following, the thanks of the Lord's and Commons for the same.

Les Prelates, Seigneurs & Communes en ce present Parliament Assembles, au nom de touts vous autres subjects, remercient tres humblement vostre Majestye, & prient à Dieu que ils vous donne en sante bonne vie, & long.

The Bills of Subsidy and Pardon being passed, then were the Titles of the public Acts read by the Clerk of the Crown; to everyone of which allowed by the Queen, the Clerk of the Upper House read these French words following; viz.

La Roigne le veult.

To every private Act that passed, the said Clerk of the Upper House read the Queens Answer, in these French words following.

Soit fait come il est desire.

These two last Answers to the public and private Acts, that pass, are to be written by the said Clerk at the end of every Act.

To such Acts as her Majesty did forbear to allow, the Clerk of the Upper-House read in these French words following, viz.

La Roigne s'advisera.

Her Majesty having given her Royal Assent to such Acts as passed, in manner and form as aforesaid, then Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, Prorogued this Session of Parliament by her Majesty's Commandment, to a further day; which is thus entered in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, viz.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli ex Mandato Dominae Reginae Prorogavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in secundum diem Octobris proximum futurum.

After which (as is contained in the often before-mentioned Anonymous Autograph, or Original Memorial of this days passages) the Queen rose, and proceeded into her Privy-Chamber, and shifted, and then proceeded to her Barge, and so to the Court, which was about six of the Clock in the Afternoon.

That which followeth, being the second Prorogation of this foregoing Session, de an. 5 Regin. Eliz. is entered at large at the beginning of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, de an. 8, & 9 Reginae ejusdem; being the second and last Session of this present Parliament; yet because it fell out within this fifth Year, and may indifferently be referred to the Upper House Journal of either Session, I thought good in the transcribing of it to cause it to be annexed, and added to this present Journal in manner and form following.

Memorandum, quod secundo die Octobris, Anno Regni Elizabethae, Dei Gratiâ, &c. Quinto, in quent diem 10 ^o die Aprilis ultimo elapso Prorogatum fuit hoc praesens Parliamentum, ex Mandato dictae Dominae Reginae, convenerunt Domini tam spirituales quam temporales, quorum nomina subsequuntur, viz.

Marchio Wintoniae Thesaurarius Angliae, Episcopus London, Episcopus Wintoniae, Dominus North, Dominus Mordaunt.

Qui cùm convenissent, adstantibus tunc etiam Populi Burgensium{que} ut vocant satis magnâ frequentiâ, dictus Dominus Thesaurarius paucis verbis declaravit conventum Procerum & Populi, quem Parliamentum vocant, in hunc diem destinatum, à dict a Domina Regina, certis quibusdam de causis & considerationibus illam ad id specialiter moventibus, maxim propter infectionem Aeris pestiferi per Civitates London, & Westmonaster. ac suburbia earundem, ad praesens grassantem, differri in quintum diem Octobris qui erit in Anno Domini Millesimo quingentesimo sexagesimo quarto; At{que} ut tam Proceribus quàm Populo palam fieret Regiam Majestatem it a constituisse, Literas commissarias dictae Dominae Reginae, Francisco Spilman Armigero Clerico Parliamenti publice & clarâ voice legendas, in manus tradidit: earum autem tenor hic erat.

Elizabeth Dei Gratia Angliae, Franciae, & Hiberniae Regina, fidei defensor, &c. Charissimo Consanguineo, Willielmo Marchioni Winton. The saurario Angliae, ac reverendis in Christo Patribus, Edmundo Episcopo London, Roberto Episcopo Winton, Willielmo Episcopo Cicestrensi, nec non praedilectis & fidelibus suis, Henrico Domino Morley, Arthuro Domino Grey de Wilton, Edwardo Domino Windsor, & Johanni Domino Mordannt, salutem. Cùm nos nuper pro quibusdam arduis & urgentibus negotiis, nos, statum & defensionem Regni nostri Angliae, ac Ecclesiae Anglicanae concernentibus, praesens hoc Parliamentum nostrum, apud Civitatem nostram Westmonasterii, duo-decimo die Januarii, Anno Regni nostri quinto, inchoari & teneri ordinaverimus, à quo die idem Parliamentum tunc & ibidem tentum & continuatum fuerat us{que} decimum diem Aprilis, tunc prox. sequentem, codem{que} decimo die Aprilis idem Parliamentum nostrum us{que} ad & in instantem secundum diem Octobris prorogatum fuerat, ibidem{que} tunc tenendum & continuandum: Sciatis quod nos, certis urgentibus causis & considerationibus nos specialiter moventibus, & praecipue propter infectionem Aeris pestiferi ubi{que} per Civitates nostras London, & Westminster & earundem Suburbia ad praesens invalescentem, de fidelitate, prudentiâ & Circumspectione vestris plurinium confidentes, de avisamento & assensu Concilii nostri assignavinius vos, & duos vestrum, dantes vobis, & duobus vestrum tenore praesentium plenam potestatem, sucultatem, & Authoritatem hoc instanti die Sabbathi, ad praesens Parliamentum nostrum, nomine nostro, ad & in quintum diem Octobris qui erit in Anno Domini Millesimo quingentesimo sexagesimo quarto, us{que} Civitatem nostram Westmonasterii praedict. Prorogandum & continuandum, ibidem{que} tune tenend. & presequend., & ideo vobis Mandamus, quod circa praemissa diligenter intendatis, & ea in forma praedicta effectualiter explicetis. Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Ducibus, Marchionibus, Comitibus, Vice-Comitibus, Episcopis, Baronibus, Militibus, Civibus & Burgensibus, ac omnibus aliis quorum interest, ad dictum Parliamentum nostrum conventuris, tenore praesentium firmiter in Mandatis, quod vobis in praemissis faciend. agend & exequend. pareant, obediant & intendant, prout decct. In cujus rei Testimonium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste meipsa apud Castrum nostrum de Windsor secundo die Octobris, Anno Regni nostri Quinto.

After which second time of Prorogation, in manner and form abovesaid, it was again Prorogued three several times as aforesaid; all which Prorogations are at large set down in the beginning of the Journal of the Upper House, in the Session of Parliament in Anno 8 Regin. Eliz.

THE JOURNAL OF THE House of COMMONS.

THE Journal of this present Session of Parliament, is not only furnished with many good Ordinary passages, touching the reading, ingrossing, and passing of Bills; but also with some unusual and remarkable matter, concerning the Privileges of the House itself, and with the return of divers Burgesses from certain Burrough-Towns, who had for some time before discontinued that their Privilege. And although that..... Seymour Esq continued still Clerk of the House of Commons, by which means the agitations of the said House were, for the most part, very imperfectly recorded by him in the Original Journal-Book of the same, so that the referring of a Bill to Committees is scarce discoverable, in respect that the name only of one of them is for the most part mentioned; yet the manner of the Burgesses taking the Oath of Supremacy (which was never in use before this Session of Parliament, it having been enjoined by Statute in the first year of her Majesty's Reign) together with the manner of the Election and Presentment of the Speaker, is very Methodically and Orderly entered. And lastly, whereas there is mention made in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons aforesaid, that the Speaker with the whole House did exhibit their Petition to the Queens Majesty, on Thursday 23. day of January, in the Afternoon, touching her Marriage, and the Limitation of the Succession of the Crown, which said Petition is there omitted, I have therefore caused it to be inserted at large, out of a Copy thereof I had by me, which I gather by all concurring circumstances, to be the very same, which is only generally remembered in the said Original Journal-Books, as aforesaid.

The second Parliament of the most Noble Princess Elizabeth, by the Grace of God Queen of England, &c. begun at Westminster on Monday the 11. day of January, in the fifth Year of her Gracious Reign; By her Highness Commission directed to the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, the Lord Steward, the Lord Treasurer, the Duke of Norfolk, &c. to Prorogue the same Parliament until the 12. day of the same Month, viz. the Morrow following; And the Knights and Burgesses, being sent for to come unto the Lord's in the Upper House, without any appearance of their names taken then by the Lord Steward, and Lord Treasurer, the Lord Keeper shown in few words, that the Queens Majesty was somewhat sick of a Stitch; wherefore she had sent her Writ for the Prorogation, until the Morrow, which was done accordingly.

And on the Morrow, being the 12. day of January, about ten of the Clock, the Queens Majesty, with the Lord's and Bishops in Parliament Robes, did ride from the Palace to Westminster-Church, and there heard a Sermon; during which the Earl of Arundel, being Lord Steward, repaired unto Whitehall, and there Recorded the Appearance of the Knights and Burgesses; at which time also (as may very well be collected by comparing this instant days passages, with those of Thursday the third day of October, in the Journal of the House of Commons, de an. 8, & 9 Regin. Eliz. following) the said Lord Steward did doubtless, either in his own person, or by his Deputies administer the Oath of Supremacy (according to the Statute, de an. 1 Eliz. Cap. 1.) to such Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, as were at this time present, and appeared.

And after, the Queen coming from the Church, and being set in her Royal Seat in the Upper House, and the Commons standing at the lower end of the Chamber; The Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, with great Eloquence, declared this Parliament to be called for Religion, Discipline, and Aid to the State in defense of Enemies with Excellent Dilation of those Causes; And in the end willed the Commons to repair to their House, and there to choose a discreet, grave, and wise man, to be their Speaker, and to present him to the Queens Majesty, on Friday next in the Afternoon; immediately the Commons resorted to their Common House, where after they were set, M ^r Comptroller standing up, rehearsed the Lord Keepers Oration, for the Election of a Speaker, and said, that in his Opinion, M ^r Thomas Williams Esq, one of the Fellows of the Inner-Temple, being grave, learned and wise, was very meet to that Office; whereupon the whole House with one entire Voice, cried M ^r Williams, M ^r Williams; And then M ^r Williams standing up, and reverently disabling himself, required the House to proceed to a new Election; unto whom M ^r Secretary Cecil Answering that the House had gravely considered of him; and therefore required him to take the place; and he approaching was led and set in the Chair by M ^r Comptroller; and it was agreed by the House to meet all there again on Friday next, at one of the Clock in the Afternoon, to present M ^r Speaker to the Queens Majesty.

On Friday the 15 ^th of January, in the Afternoon, M ^r Speaker, with the rest of the House of Commons, went before the Queen in her Royal Seat, where M ^r Speaker most humbly disabled himself, requiring that a new Election might be made, to the which the Queens Majesty, confirming the same Election, by the Mouth of the Lord Keeper, M ^r Speaker made an Excellent Oration, and in the end made the accustomed Petitions; which being granted, the Lord Keeper willed him with the rest, to resort to the House of Commons, there to deliberate upon matters necessary; which being done,

The Bill for increase of Woods in Champain Grounds, and saving of Bark of Timber to be felled, was read the first time.

On Saturday the 16. day of January, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which one was touching Servants to serve their Masters; And the other to put down an Iron-Mill near Guilford, and were each of them read the first time.

A motion was this day made by a Burgess at length, for the Succession of the Crown; of which see more, on Thursday the 28 ^th day of this Instant January ensuing.

January the 17 ^th day Sunday.

On Monday the 18 ^th day of January, Five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one and the first reading; of which the second was the Bill for the assurance of the Manors of Whiteacre, and Whiteacre Burgh, to Richard Bertie and Katherine Duchess of Suffolk his Wife, from Walter Herenden, being a Feoffee in Trust.

Certain Arguments were this day had in the House, by divers wise Personages, for motion to be made for the Queens Marriage, and Succession of the Crown.

On Tuesday the 19 ^th day of January, the Bill for allowance to Sheriffs upon their Accompts, for Justices Diets, was read the first time.

M ^r Speaker with the Counsel, and twenty four more of the House, were appointed to meet this Afternoon, to draw Articles of Petition for the Queens Marriage, and Succession. Vide Concerning this business, on Thursday the 28. day of this Instant January following; M ^r Comptroller is nominated one of them.

For that it seemed to the House, being very full, that they were a greater number than were returned; therefore the names were immediately called, and as they were called, they departed out of the House, and in the end ten or eleven remained, who said they were returned, and would bring Warrants thereof.

On Wednesday the 20. day of January, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second, being the Bill for allowance to Sheriffs, upon their Accompts for Justices Diets, was read the second time; and as it should seem Committed to M ^r Sackvill, and others; see a like President on the day following.

A motion was made by a Burgess for a Subsidy.

The Queens Serjeant and Attorney brought a Bill from the Lord's, touching the Garrison of Barwick.

An Excellent Declaration was this day made by M ^r Secretary Cecil, of the great Charges defrayed by the Queens Majesty, and of the Causes of the Wars in France, for not keeping the Edict there made by the Parliament, and also touching the Charges at Barwicke, and New-haven, the Provision of Armor, and the Navy, the Cavillation of the French for Calais, concluding to consider for the Aid.

The Bill lastly, for the Government of the Garrison, and Soldiers of Barwick, was read the first time.

On Thursday the 21. day of January. For that it is said, that M ^r Elrington hath interest in the Iron-Mill in the Town of Shere in Surrey, whereas the Bill is to put down the same: It was resolved, that M ^r Speaker should direct his Letter to him, in the name of the House, to come and show, if he will, for saving his Estate therein; Vide touching this business, on Saturday the 30. day of this Instant January ensuing.

The Bill against breaking of Ponds, and Stealing of Fish and Conies, was read the first time.

A like Letter was sent also to the Heir of Walter Herenden, for the Lands claimed by M ^r Barty, and the Duchess of Suffolk.

The Bill to revive divers Acts to be Felony.

M ^r Sidney.

By which manner of Entring the Title of the said Bill, it may plainly be collected, that the Bill itself, had at this time its second reading, and was thereupon committed to M ^r Sidney aforesaid (to whom it seemeth the Bill was delivered) and others, whose names are omitted.

The Queens Serjeant and others brought a Bill from the Lord's, touching the Repeal of a branch for conveying of Horses; which Bill was presently read the first time.

On Friday the 22 ^th day of January, M ^r Elrington, Owner of the Iron-Mill in Shere; for the suppressing of which, a Bill was put into this House; desired a Copy of the Bill, and a day to Answer with his learned Counsel two in number; and to bring his Answer on Friday next.

Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against carrying of Horses out of the Realm, was secundâ vice lect.; but no mention is made, that it was either Ordered to be engrossed, or referred to Committees, because it had been formerly sent down from the Lord's. And the last, being the Bill for the Government of the Garrison and Soldiers of Barwick, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) was committed to M ^r Fitz-Chamberlain (mistaken for M ^r Vice-Chamberlain and others;) Vide a like President on Thursday the 21 ^th day of this instant January foregoing.

For that Burgesses be returned of divers Boroughs, not lately returned in the Chancery; viz. the Burgess of Tregony, S ^t Jermynes, and Maws in Cornwall, the Borough of Minked in Somersetshire, the Borough of Tamworth in Stafford, and the Borough of Stankbridge in Southampton, M ^r Speaker declared to the House, that the Lord Steward agreed they should resort into the House, and with convenient speed to show Letters Patents, why they be returned into this Parliament.

Nota, That it was very common and ordinary in former times to avoid the Charges of their Burgesses allowance, in time of Parliament (when the Town grew into any poverty or decay) that the Boroughs did either get Licence of the Sovereign for the time being, to be discharged from such Election and Attendance, or did by degrees discontinue it themselves; but of later times, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, for the most part bearing their own Charges, many of those Borough-Towns, who had discontinued their former privilege, by not sending, did again recontinue it (as these Towns here) both during her Majesty's Reign, and afterwards in the Reign of King James her Successor.

On Saturday the 23 ^th day of January, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for levying of Fines in the County Palatine of Durham, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill to repeal the branch for carrying of Horses out of the Realm, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

Three other Bills had each of them one reading, of which the last being the Bill to avoid Aliens, not being Denizens, nor being here for Religion nor Conscience sake, was upon the second reading rejected, and the Bill torn.

On Monday the 25 ^th day of January, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Oak-Timber, preservation of Bark, was read the second time, and thereupon rejected and torn.

Certain Articles in writing, were objected by the Burgesses of Barwick, against the Bill of Barwick, which was sent down by the Lord's.

For that Louis Mountgomery Esq, is returned Burgess for Northampton, and also for Dorchester, and doth appear for Northampton, a new Writ de Burgens. eligendo, was required for Dorchester.

The Queens Council with twenty four of the Shires, and fix of Wales were appointed, on Wednesday next to meet in the Star-Chamber, for Order to be taken, concerning the Subsidy.

On Tuesday the 26 ^th day of January, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill that Apothecaries, and their Stuff, shall be under the search of the College of Physicians, was read the first time.

A Petition devised by the Committees (who were appointed on Tuesday the 19 ^th day of this instant January foregoing, although their names be wholly omitted, through the Clerks negligence) to be made to the Queens Majesty by M ^r Speaker, for limitation of Succession, was read by M ^r Norton, one of the Committees. And thereupon the Queens Privy-Council were required to move her Majesty, that M ^r Speaker with the whole House, may exhibit to her Highness that Petition, and to certify her Highness pleasure. Vide touching this business on Thursday the 28 ^th day of this instant January ensuing in Pomeridiano.

The Bill touching carrying of Horses out of the Realm, was sent up to the Lord's, by M ^r Comptroller, with a request to the Lord's, to further the Petition of this House to the Queens Majesty, touching Marriage and Succession; which was well allowed of by the Lord's. Vide on Thursday the 28 ^th day of this instant January following.

For that Francis Walsinghaw. returned Burgess for Linn in Dorsetshire, and for Banbury in Oxfordshire, doth appear for Linne, a new Writ de Burgens. eligend. was required for Banbury.

On Wednesday the 27 ^th day of January, the Bill touching Curriers to buy Tann'd-Leather, to work and sell it, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) was committed to Mr. Crosts, and others not named. Vide a like President on Thursday the 21 ^th day of this instant January foregoing.

Mr. Comptroller with the rest of the Council, declared, that the Queens Majesty would receive the Petition to Morrow in the Afternoon, at the Palace, by Mr. Speaker, with the whole House; of which see more on the day immediately ensuing.

Mr. Comptroller with the Committees for the Bill of Subsidy, were appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Star-Chamber.

On Thursday the 28 ^th day of January, the Bill for Badgers of Corn to be bound by Recognizance, in the open Sessions, was read the first time.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon Mr. Speaker, with the whole House (with a Notable Oration) did exhibit their Petition to the Queens Majesty, in the Gallery at the Palace, touching Marriage and Succession; which her Highness thankfully accepted (with an Excellent Oration) deferring the Answer to further time, for the gravity of the Cases. What further Answer her Majesty gave, may be seen on Thursday the 16 ^th day of February ensuing, and on Saturday the 10 ^th day of April postea.

But as touching the Petition delivered to her Majesty this Afternoon, by the whole House, from the Mouth of Mr. Speaker, it is not at all contained in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; and therefore having a Copy of it by me (which I do gather by all concurring circumstances, to be the very same here mentioned, both in respect of the time and matter) I have caused it to be inserted at large. I am not ignorant, that in divers Copies of this Speech, another Petition also is joined with it, as prefer'd likewise by the Lord's to her Majesty, at this time, for the same Causes, which in truth happened not until the second Session of this Parliament following, Anno 8, & 9 Regin. Elizabethae; neither shall it be needful to make any further demonstration thereof in this place, having so fully cleared it in the Upper House Journal, at that aforesaid second Session ensuing, upon Tuesday the 5 ^th day of November; and now followeth the Copy of the above-mentioned Petition, at this time prefer'd as aforesaid.

Your Commons in this your Majesty's present Parliament Assembled, most High and Mighty Princess, our most Dread Sovereign Lady, as they do daily, to their Commodity and Comfort, feel and receive the inestimable benefits of your most Gracious Government of this your Realm, in Peace and Surety, so do also most thankfully acknowledge the same, beseeching Almighty God long to bless and continue your most prosperous Reign over them; And among all these benefits which they daily receive of your Highness, they have at this time willed me, in their names to recognize unto your Highness, that they account it not the least, but rather among the greatest of them all, That your Majesty hath at this time Assembled your Parliament, for supplying and redressing the greatest wants and defaults in your Common-Weal, and for the establishing the surety of the same; which your Majesty's most gracious meaning, hath been at your Commandment, signified unto us, by the Right Honorable the Lord Keeper of your Great Seal of England, namely in this, that he willed us first to have consideration of the greatest matters that nearest touched the State of the Realm, and the preservation thereof, seeming therein also to express unto us the Conformity of your Majesty's mind, in having principal respect to the matters of greatest weight; and for that respect Assembling this your Parliament. And for as much as your said Subjects see nothing in this whole Estate of so great importance to your Majesty, and the whole Realm, nor so necessary at this time to be reduced to certainty, as the sure continuance of the Government of the Imperial Crown thereof, and the most honorable Issue of your Body (which Almighty God send us to your Highness Comfort) and for want thereof, in some certain limitation to guide the Obedience of our Posterity; And where Almighty God to our great Terror and dreadful Warning, lately touched your Highness with some danger of your most Noble Person by Sickness, from which so soon as your Grace was by God's favor and mercy to us recovered, your Highness sent out your Writs of Parliament, by force whereof your Subjects are at this time Assembled; your said Subjects are both by the necessity and importance of the matter, and by the convenience of the time of Calling them immediately upon your recovery, enforced to gather, and confess, that your Majesty of your most Gracious and Motherly Care for them, and their Posterity, have Summoned this Parliament, principally for establishing of some certain limitation of the Imperial Crown of your Realm, for preservation of your Subjects, from certain and utter destruction; (if the same should not be provided in your Life, which God long continue;) They cannot, I say, but acknowledge your Majesty hath most graciously considered the great dangers, the unspeakable miseries of civil Wars, the perilous and intermingling of Foreign Princes with seditious, ambitious, and factious Subjects at home, the waste of noble Houses, the slaughter of People, subversions of Towns, intermission of all things pertaining to the maintenance of the Realm, unsurety of all men's Possessions, Lives and Estates, daily interchange of Attainders and Treasons; All these mischiefs, and infinite others, most likely and evident, if your Majesty should be taken from us, without known Heir, (which God forbid) to fall upon your Subjects, to the utter subversion of the whole, whereof you have Charge under God: If good provision should not be had in this behalf. Your Majesty hath weighed the Examples of Foreign Nations, as what ensued the Death of Great Alexander, when for want of certain Heirs by him begotten, or appointed, the variety of Titles, the diversity of Dispositions in them that had Titles, the ambition of them that under color of doubtfulness of Titles, forsook all obedience of Titles, destroyed his Dominions, and wasted Posterity with mutual Wars and Slaughters: In what miserable Case also was this Realm itself, when the Title of the Crown was tossed in question, between the two Royal Houses of Lancaster and York, till your most Noble Progenitors Henry the Seventh, and the Lady Elizabeth his Wife, restored it to a settled Unity, and left the Crown in a certain course of Succession? These things, as your Majesty hath upon your own danger most graciously considered for our Comfort and Safety; so we most humble Subjects, knowing the preservation of ourselves, and all our Posterity, to depend upon the safety of your Majesty's most Royal Person, have most carefully and diligently considered, how the want of Heirs of your Body, and certain limitation of Succession after you, is most perilous to your Highness, whom God long preserve amongst us. We have been admonished of the great malice of your Foreign Enemies, which even in your Life-time have sought to transfer the Dignity and Right of your Crown, to a Stranger; we have noted their daily most dangerous practices against your Life and Reign; We have heard of some Subjects of this Land, most unnaturally confederated with your Enemies, to attempt the destruction of your Majesty, and us all that live by you; We fear a Faction of Heretics in your Realm, Contentious and malicious Papists, lest they most unnaturally against their Country, most madly against their own Safety, and most treacherously against your Highness, not only hope for the woeful day of your Death, but also lay in wait to advance some Title, under which they may revive their late unspeakable Cruelty, to the destruction of Goods, Possessions, and Bodies, and thralldom of the Souls and Consciences of your faithful and Christian Subjects; We see nothing to withstand their desire, but your only Life, their Unkindness and Cruelty we have tasted; we fear much to what attempt the hope of such opportunity (nothing withstanding them but your Life) will move them; We find how necessary it is for your preservation, that there be more set and known between your Majesty's Life and their desire; We see on the other side, how there can be no such danger to your Majesty, by ambition of any Apparent Heir established by your benefit and advancement, for want of Issue of your Majesty's Royal Body, as you are now subject unto, by reason of their desire and hope; We know not how many pretend Titles and Trust to succeed you, whose secret desire we so much more fear, because neither their number, force nor likelihood of disposition, is known unto us; and so we can the less beware of them for your preservation.

We find also by good proof, that the certain limitation of the Crown of France, hath in that Realm procured so great quiet, as neither the person of the Prince in Possession hath been endangered by secret or open practice, nor the Common-Weal molested by civil dissention, through any quarrel attempted, for the Title of that Crown; And somewhat near home, we have remembered the miserable estate of Scotland, after the Death of King Alexander, without any certain Heir, or limitation to whom the Crown of Scotland should remain; by reason whereof the whole estate of that Realm was left open, to the ambition of many Competitors, and most grievous desolation and spoil, that grew upon such division; which afterwards gave occasion to King James the Fifth, to limit the Crown of Scotland to certain Noble Families of that Realm; whereby they at this present enjoy that quiet surety, which we want; And all your Majesty's most Noble Progenitors, Kings of this Realm, have been in this behalf so careful, that from the Conquest till this present day, the Realm was never left, as it is now, without a certain Heir, living and known, to whom the Crown after the Death of the Prince, should appertain; So, as your Majesty of your singular Care for us, and our Posterity, hath at this time Assembled us, for establishing of this great and only stay of our Safeties. We again, Most Gracious Sovereign Lady, acknowledge ourselves, and all that we have, to depend upon your Preservation, being according to our bounden Duty, most careful of the same, are in most humble manner come to your Majesty's presence; And I, the Mouth appointed for them, together with and in the name of all your most loving, natural and obedient Subjects, do present unto you, our most lowly Suit and Petition, That for as much as of your Majesty's Person would come the most redoubted and best Heirs of your Crown, such as in time to come we would most Comfortably see, and our Posterity most Joyfully Obey;

It may please your Most Excellent Majesty, for our sakes, for our preservation and comforts, and at our most humble Suit, to take to yourself some Honorable Husband, whom it shall please you to join unto in Marriage; whom, whatsoever he be that your Majesty shall choose, we protest and promise, with all humility and reverence, to Honor, Love and Serve, as to our most bounden duty shall appertain; And where by the Statute which your most noble Father Assented unto, of his most Princely and Fatherly Zeal for his most loving Subjects, for the limitation of the Succession of the Emperial Crown of this Realm, Your Majesty is the last expressly named within the body of the same Act; and for that your Subjects cannot judge, nor do know anything of the form or validity of any further limitations, set in certain for want of Heirs of your Body, whereby some great dangerous doubt remaineth in their Hearts, to their great grief, peril and unquietness; It may also please your Majesty, by Proclamation of certainty already provided, if any such be, or else by limitations of certainty, if none be, to provide a most gracious remedy in this great necessity, which by your most Honorable, and Motherly Carefulness for them, hath occasioned this Assembly; That in this convenient time of Parliament, upon your late danger most graciously called by you, for that cause, your Grace may now extend to us that great benefit, which otherwise, or at other times perhaps shall never be able to be done again; so not only we, but all ours hereafter, and forever, shall owe no less to your Majesty's propagation of Succession, than we do already owe to your most Famous Grandfather, King Henry the Seventh, his uniting of Division; And your Subjects on their behalfs, for your Majesty's further Assurance, whereupon their own preservation wholly dependeth, shall employ their whole endeavors, and Wits, and Power, to renew, devise and establish the most strong and beneficial Acts and Laws of Preservation, and Surety of your Majesty, and of your Issue in the Emperial Crown of this Realm, and the most penal, sharp and terrible Statutes, to all that shall but once practice, and attempt or conceive against your Safety, that by any possible means they may invent or establish, with such limitations of conditions, and restraints to all in Remainders, such grievous pains, and narrow Animadversions to all that shall enterprize or imagine anything in prejudice of your Highness, and your Issue, as your Majesty shall not have any cause of suspicion, but most assured ground of Confidence in all your faithful Subjects, continually Watching and Warding for your Preservation, which God long continue, that you may see your Children's Children, to his Honor and our Comfort, and incline your Gracious Ear to our most humble Petitions.

This Petition of the House of Commons, delivered by Thomas Williams Esq their Speaker, to her Majesty this Afternoon, as aforesaid (to which see her Majesty's further Answer sent to the said House, on Tuesday the 16 ^th day of February ensuing) now follows the residue of the passages of this Journal, out of the Original Journal-Book of the same House.

On Friday the 29 ^th day of January, Seven Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the sixth being the Bill for Fines to be levied in the County Palatine of Durham, was read the third time, and passed the House.

For that John Hippesley Esq, is returned a Burgess for Wotten-Basset in Wiltshire, and also for Wells in Somersetshire, and doth appear for Wells, a new Writ was required for Wotten-Basset.

M ^r Elrington appeared this day, with Mr. Serjeant Harper, and Mr. Plowden being of his Learned Council, who showing great reasons, that the Bill might be rejected, certain Articles were delivered in by the Mayor of Guildford, for maintenance of the Bill, which being read, the Copy thereof was awarded to Mr. Elrington; Vide de ista materia, on the Morrow following.

Giles Clinket, Servant to Sir John Parrot K ^t , of Pembroke, Attached in London in a Plea of Debt, at the Suit of Francis Park, had the Privilege of the House granted.

On Saturday the 30 ^th day of January, Thomas Heneage was returned Knight for the County of Lincoln, and also Burgess for Boston in that County, and doth appear for Lincoln; whereupon a new Writ is required for Boston.

Three Bills had each of them one reading, of which the last being the Bill to revive the Act touching Usury, an. 37 Hen. 8. was read the first time, and as it should seem, committed to Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, to consider of it.

Mr. Elrington came in with the Serjeant, requiring the Order of this House, in what sort he should Answer the Articles; whereupon the whole matter was committed to twelve of the House, to hear the Parties and Proofs on both sides, and thereupon to certify this House; of which number it should seem, Mr. Sidney was one. Vide touching this business on Thursday the 21 ^th day, on Friday the 22 ^th day, and on Friday the 29 ^th day of this instant January foregoing.

It was Ordered, that everyone of this House, that cometh after the Prayer, which shall begin at eight of the Clock, shall pay four pence to the poor Mans Box.

On Monday the first day of February, Five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill touching the Bowyers of London, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Sir William Chester, and others not named; And the third being the Bill against carrying over the Sea of Pelts and Sheep-Skins, not Staple Ware, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Committees in the Bill touching Barwick, have had Conference with the Lord's, and have further day to meet again; viz. on Saturday next.

The Bill to have de circumstantilus to the Juries in Wales, and in the County Palatine of Lancaster, was read the first time.

Mr. Comptroller with others, was appointed to confer of the Privilege of this House, upon motions made for the Imprisonment of Sir Edward Warner.

On Wednesday the 3 ^d day of February, the Bill to revive the Statute made for putting down of Grigg Mills, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Chichester, and others not named; Vide a like President on Thursday the 21 ^th day of January foregoing.

Thomas Dring Burgess of Petersfield in the County of Southampton, was Licensed upon the Death of his Uncle, to be absent for ten days.

Five other Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which one being the Bill against carrying over Sea of Pelts and Sheep Skins, not Staple Ware, was read the third time and passed; And another being for Robbing of Ponds, and Stealing of Fish and Conies to be Felony, was read the third time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Comptroller and others not named; Vide consimile on Tuesday the 21 ^th day of January foregoing.

On Thursday the 4 ^th of February, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill touching Badgers, and Carryers of Corn, was read the second time; and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Recorder and others not named.

Christopher Hillyer, Burgess for Heydon in Yorkshire, upon the sickness of his Wife, was Licensed to be absent.

On Friday the 5 ^th day of February, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for repairing of Waltersey Bank in the Isle of Eli, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. North and others not named; Vide consimile on Thursday the 21 ^th day of January foregoing.

Sir Henry Jones complained, that all his Servants were Imprisoned, and prayed Privilege; and after long Arguments for the Privilege, Commission was given to Mr. Sackvill, and others, to examine and certify of the matter.

On Saturday the 6 ^th day of February, the new Bill for setting up of Grigg Mills, betwixt Plime and Dart, was read the first time.

A motion was made by M ^r Winter, that the House would have regard by some Bill to the Navy; And thereupon the matter, as it should seem, was refer'd to the said M ^r Winter, and others, whose names through the negligence of ..... Seymour Esq, at this time Clerk of the House of Commons, are here, as in all other places of this Journal, omitted.

The Bill for a Subsidy of Lands and Goods, and two Fifteens, was read the first time.

On Monday the 8 ^th day of February, the new Bill against Servants robbing their Masters, and Buggery to be Felony, was read the first time.

M ^r Sidney and M ^r Mason declared, that upon Examination the Fray seemed to be begun by Sir Henry Jones his Servants; Vide touching this business on Friday the 12 ^th day of this Instant February following.

On Tuesday the 9 ^th day of February, the Bill for the Subsidy of Lands and Goods, and two Fifteens and Tenths, was read the second time; but there is no mention made of anything spoken to it, or the referring of it to Committees, or Ordering of it to be engrossed, because (as may be conjectured) the Subsidy Bill, being commonly of a great length, the Forenoon was far spent by that time it was read through; and therefore the Arguments upon it were deferred till to Morrow; in which much dispute growing touching the Oath of the Assessors, it was again agitated in the House on Friday the 12 ^th day, and on Saturday the 13 ^th of this instant February ensuing; when it was Ordered to be engrossed, and was lastly, on Friday the 19 ^th day of the same Month, read the third time, and passed the House.

On Wednesday the 10 ^th day of February, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Servants robbing of their Masters, and touching Buggery, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Thomas Walwin Gent., John Rice Yeoman, Owen Rice, Rice ap Richard, and Griffith Louis, and John ap John, Servants to Sir Henry Jones Knight for Carmarthen, being Attached in London in three Actions of Trespass, at the several Suits of George Catchmeyde, William Prime and Henry Elmely Gent., move to have a Writ of Privilege; Vide plus concerning this matter on Friday the 12 ^th day of this Instant February ensuing.

Divers Arguments were this day in the House upon the Bill of Subsidy, and the Oath therein: Vide touching this Bill in fine diei praecedentis.

On Thursday the 11 ^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Servants robbing their Masters, Buggery, Invocation of evil Spirits, Inchantments, &c. to be Felony, was read the third time, and passed the House.

Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor brought from the Lord's a Bill against Forgers of Deeds, which was presently read the first time.

On Friday the 12 ^th day of February, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for punishment of Forgers of false Deeds and Wills, was read the second time; But no mention is made, that it was either refer'd to Committees, or Ordered to be engrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

The House desired the Privy-Council to 〈◊〉 the Queens Majesty, to have in 〈◊〉 their Petition, looking for her most Gracious Answer. Vide touching this matter on Thursday the 28 ^th day of January foregoing, as also on Tuesday the 16. day of this instant February following.

The Committees do certify the House, that Sir Hen. Jones his men may be committed to the Serjeant, and that he attend Mr. Recorder, and Mr. Gargrave, with the persons before the Lord Chief Justice, to enter with Sureties in Bond of five hundred pound, to appear personally in the Queens Bench, in Trinity Term next, to Answer to such things as shall be then objected to them, on the Queens behalf, and so set at Liberty: Vide concerning this matter on Friday the 5. day, on Monday the 8. day, and on Wednesday the 10. day of this instant February foregoing.

On Saturday the 13. day of February, Arguments touching the Oath of Assessors in the Subsidy being had, the Bill was Ordered to be engrossed: Vide plus on Tuesday the 9. day of this instant February foregoing.

Two Bills had each of them one reading, of which the latter being the Bill touching levying of Fines for respite of Homage, was read the second time, and rejected.

For that John Harrington Esquire, returned Burgess of S ^t Ives in Cornwall, and also for Carnarvon in Wales, doth appear for Carnarvon, a Writ was required for a Burgess for S ^t Ives.

On Monday the 15. day of February, the new Bill touching Usury, was read the first time.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, of which one was the Bill touching Servants robbing their Masters, and Buggery to be Felony.

The Bill against those that extol the Bishop of Rome, and refuse the Oath of Allegiance, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, and others not named.

Divers Arguments being had upon the Bill for respite of Homage, it was at the last rejected.

On Tuesday the 16. day of February, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching Usury, was upon the second reading Ordered to be engrossed.

Robert Parker Servant to Sir William Woodhouse Knight for Norfolk, attached in London at the Suit of Thomas Raber Baker in Transgr., had a Warrant for Privilege, notwithstanding a judgment given against him.

Mr. Serjeant Carus and Mr. Attorney brought from the Lord's five Bills for Restitution in Blood of divers persons.

Mr. Comptroller and Mr. Secretary declared from the Queens Highness, that she doubted not, but the grave Heads of this House did right well consider, that she forgot not the Suit of this House for the Succession, the matter being so weighty; nor could forget it: but she willed the young Heads, to take Example of the Ancients: Vide touching this business on Saturday the 16. day, Monday the 18. day, Tuesday the 19. day, Tuesday the 26. day, Wednesday the 27. day, and on Thursday the 28. day of January foregoing; as also on Friday the 12. day of this instant February preceeding. Vide April the 10. postea.

On Wednesday the 17. day of February, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to confirm the Liberties of Exeter, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

On Thursday the 18. day of February, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the fifth being the Bill for Confirmation of the Liberties of Exeter, was read the third time, and passed the House. And the last being the Bill for punishment of Usury, and unlawful Bargains, was read also the third time, and passed per Divisionem Domus, viz. with the Bill a hundred thirty four, and against it ninety.

On Friday the 19. day of February, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the Subsidy and two Fifteens, granted by the Temporalty, was read the third time, and passed the House; Vide touching this Bill on Tuesday the 9. day of this Instant February foregoing.

Thomas Andrew's Esq Burgess for Sudbury in Suffolk, and Thomas Eymis Burgess for Thuske in the Country of York, for their weighty affairs have Licence to be absent.

On Saturday the 20. day of February, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against ingrossing of Wooll, and that Wooll-Winders may buy Wooll, was read the second time, and thereupon rejected.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, of which one was for the punishment of Usury, and another for the Subsidy granted by the Temporalty.

Four other Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill against those that shall extol the Bishop of Rome, or shall refuse the Oath of Allegiance, was read the third time, and passed the House.

Robert Wieth Gent. Burgess for Wiche in the County of Worcester, for his necessary affairs is Licensed to be absent.

On Monday the 22. day of February, Four Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Bowyers of London; And the last to raise Grigg Mills between Plime and Dart in Devonshire, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill against those that extol the Bishop of Rome, &c. was sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Secretary.

William Poughnyll Gent. Burgess of Ludlow in the County of Salop, for his great affairs in the Marches, hath Licence to be absent.

On Tuesday the 23. day of February, Seven Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being for the avoiding of divers Foreign Wares; The second touching Badgers of Corn; The third for punishment of those that call themselves Egyptians; And the fourth for allowance to Sheriffs for Justices Dyets at the Assizes, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Richard Bertie Esq one of the Knights of the County of Lincoln, for his weighty affairs, was Licensed to be absent.

On Wednesday the 24. day of February, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the new Bill against Clipping, Washing, and Filing of Coins, was read the first time

On Thursday the 25. day of February, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third for punishment of Clipping and Washing of money; And the fifth for such as lend their Goods for Apparel; were each of them upon the second reading Ordered to be engrossed; And the last being the Bill against forging of false Deeds, with Provisoes from this House, was read the third time, and passed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Anne Thomas, was read the second time; but no mention is made, that it was either referred to Committees, or Ordered to be engrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

William Undale Esq, Burgess for the Town of Southampton, was for his necessary affairs Licensed to be absent.

On Friday the 26 ^th day of February, the Bill for dressed Flax, and the Bill touching Originals of Fines imbezelled, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Four other Bills also had each of them one reading; of which one was the Bill that S ^t Katherines Church shall be a Parish Church, and a School Erected.

The Bill for Clipping and Washing of money, and the Bill against Sale of Wares for Apparel to persons under Land or Fees, &c. were each of them read the third time, and passed the House; And the last, being for having Grigg Mills between Plime and Dart in Devonshire, was upon the third reading dashed by the division of the House; viz. with the Bill forty seven, and against the Bill eighty four.

On Saturday the 27 ^th day of February, Sir Robert Wingfeild, one of the Knights for the County of Suffolk, for his affairs at the Assizes, was Licensed to be absent.

The Bill for further punishment of Vagabonds, calling themselves Egyptians, and the Bill for allowance to Sheriffs for Justices Dyets, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Secretary, with the Bill of the Subsidy amended, of which one was touching the punishment of Vagabonds, and another for Clipping and washing of money.

Three Bills lastly had each of them one reading; of which one being the Bill to add de circumstantibus to the Juries in Wales, and Counties Palatine of Lancaster and Chester, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Monday the first day of March, Two Bills had each of them their first reading; of which the second being against Purveyors, was (as it should seem) refer'd to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, to consider of it.

Arguments being had in the House to the Proviso for Hunting of Conies, that eat other men's Corn, was (as it seemeth) refer'd to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain and others not named.

Griffin Curtis Esq Burgess for the Burrough of Ludgersall in Wilts, for his Affairs at the Assizes, was Licensed to depart.

John Cheney Esq one of the Knights for the County of Berks, hath also Licence for his Affairs.

On Tuesday the 2 ^d day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill touching Badgers of Corn, was read the third time, and passed the House.

M ^r D ^r Read, and M ^r D ^r Huick, brought from the Lord's the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Children of the Lord Hussey; And the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Children of Archbishop Cranmer.

Long Arguments being had to the Bill for the increase of the Navy, and Fish-Days; and a Proviso brought in by M ^r Secretary, the Bill was Ordered to be engrossed.

On Wednesday the 3 ^d day of March, the Bill for the Orders and Wages of Servants of Husbandry, and Artificers, was read the first time; and (as it should seem) committed to M ^r Crofts to consider of it.

On Thursday the 4 ^th day of March, Sir Thomas Gargrave Knight, one of the Knights for the County of York, for great Affairs with the rest of the Council in the North parts, was Licensed to depart.

M ^r Richard Baker and ..... Leonard Esq with their Council learned, required that a Proviso may be for them put to the Bill for the restitution in Blood of the Sons of Henry Iseley Attainted of Treason.

William and Edward Iseley, with their learned Council, require, that considering the Bill doth restore them towards the Lands but to such Title as they had before, that that State may continue unto them; Vide touching this matter on the day following.

The Queens Serjeant and M ^r Attorney, brought from the Lord's two Bills, of which one being the Bill touching the Oath with four Provisoes added by the Lord's, the same Provisoes were read the first and second time.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill that S ^t Katherines shall be a Parish Church, and a School there, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrost.

Seven other Bills had each of them one reading; of which one being the Bill that the Bible and Book of Service may be in the Welch Tongue, And another that Sanctuary shall not serve for Debt, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrost.

On Friday the 5 ^th day of March, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for avoiding of divers Foreign Wares, made by Artificers beyond the Seas, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Parties on both sides for M ^r Isely's Bill, require that it might proceed in form; for they be both agreed, that M ^r Isely after this Bill pass, shall release to M ^r Richard Baker, and M ^r Leonard, all their right, title, interest and demand in such Lands, as the said Baker and Leonard severally have, late Sir Henry Iseley's, Father to the said William and Edward Iseley; Vide touching this business on the day foregoing. The Bill lastly, for restitution in Blood of William and Edward Iseley; And the Bill for restitution in Blood of Thomas Brook alias Cobham and others, were each of them read the second time; but no mention is made, that they were Ordered to be engrossed, or referred to Committees; because they had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

On Saturday the 6 ^th day of March, the Bill for the punishment of Perjury and false Witnesses, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The three Bills last past, of which one was for avoiding of Foreign Wares, were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Secretary, with twelve more.

The Queens Serjeant brought from the Lord's the Bill of Subsidy of the Clergy; And the Bill for restitution in Blood of Ed. Turner.

The Bill also for continuance of Statutes for the mending of Highways, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon twelve Bills had each of them one reading, of which the first being the Bill for restitution in Blood of Edward Turner; And the second for restitution in Blood of Sir Ralph Chamberlain, and John Hurleston, had each of them their second reading, but neither committed nor ordered to be engrossed, because they had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

John Eire Esquire, one of the Knights of the County of Wilts, for his Affairs is Licensed to be absent.

On Monday the 8 ^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that S ^t Katherines Church shall be a Parish Church; And the Second for the repairing and mending of Highways, were read the third time, and passed the House; and were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Comptroller.

M ^r Attorney brought from the Lord's three Bills, of which one was the Bill for Denizens Children.

The Bill also against the unlawful taking of Fish, Deer, or Hawks, was read the third time, and passed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon eight Bills had each of them one reading; of which one was the Bill for the Subsidy of the Clergy.

Richard Parrott Gent. Burgess for Sandwich, for his Sickness was Licensed to be absent.

On Tuesday the 9. day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, was read the second time; but no mention is made, that it was either referred to Committees, or Ordered to be engrossed; because it had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

Four other Bills also were each of them read the third time; of which one being the Bill for restitution in Blood of Anne Thomas; Another for restitution in Blood of Edward Turner; And a third for restitution in Blood of Thomas Cranmer, and Margaret, Children of the Archbishop Cranmer, did each of them pass the House.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon eight Bills had each of them one reading; of which the fifth being the Bill for the paving of Kentish-street, near Southwark, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to M ^r Graston and others not named; Vide consimile on Thursday the 21. day of January foregoing.

Long Arguments were this day had in the House, upon the Bill for having Wednesday to be a Fish-Day; Vide touching this business on Thursday the 11. day of this instant March following.

On Wednesday the 10. day of March, the Bill for restitution in Blood of William and Edward Iseley; The Bill for restitution in Blood of Thomas Cobham; The Bill to make Denizens the Children of John Fitz-Williams and others; And the Bill for the restitution in Blood of the Heirs of the Lord Hussey, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill that Merchants shall not marry Strangers beyond the Seas, was read the first time.

The Bill that the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal hath the like Power as the Lord Chancellor; And the Bill for the restitution in Blood of the Daughters of Thomas Iseley, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

M ^r Solicitor brought from the Lord's the Bill for the restitution in Blood of Sir Peter Carew and William West. Long Arguments upon the Bill for having the Wednesday to be a Fish-Day, were continued till the Morrow after.

On Thursday the 11. day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the Subsidy of the Clergy, was read the third time and passed, and was sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Secretary, together with the Lord Keepers Bill, and the Bill for Fish, Deer and Hawks.

Long Arguments were had upon the Bill for increase of the Navy, whether the Wednesday shall be a Fish-Day, and upon the Question the House was divided; and to have it a Fish-Day were a hundred fifty nine, and not to have it a Fish-Day were ninety six; And immediately after, upon the qualification of that day, the greater number agreed to the qualification: Vide touching this matter on Tuesday the 9. day, and on Wednesday the 10. day of this instant March foregoing.

George Cope Burgess of Ludgersall in Wilts, for his affairs at the Assizes, hath Licence to be absent.

On Friday the 12. day of March, the Bill touching Consecration of Bishops, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Four other Bills also had each of them one reading; of which one being the Bill for the Inning of Plumsted-Marsh, now surrounded, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Saturday the 13 ^th day of March, the Bill for the restitution in Blood of Leonard Diggs, and Thomas Diggs, and the Bill for restitution in Blood of Sir Ralph Chamberlain Knight, and John Hurleston, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

The Bill against Conjurations, was brought from the Lord's by M ^r Solicitor.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon six Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for increase of Woods and Champian Grounds, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to M ^r Marsh, and others not named.

On Monday the 15 ^th day of March, the Bill against fulling of Caps in Mills was read the second time; but no mention is made, that it was either committed or Ordered to be engrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

George Lee Esq, one of the Burgesses for Rippon in Yorkshire, and Elice Price, one of the Knights for Merionethshire in Wales, for their affairs were Licensed to be absent.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Vice-Chamberlain; of which one was the Bill for Inning of Plumsted-Marsh.

The Provisoes added to the Bill for increase of Navigation, were read the third time, and passed.

M ^r Serjeant Carus and M ^r Attorney, brought from the Lord's the Bill for Enrolment of Bargains in Lancaster, with a Proviso in Exeter Bill.

On Tuesday the 16 ^th day of March, the Bill for the Enrolment of Writings Indented at Lancaster, Chester and Duresm, and a Proviso added to the Bill of Exeter, were each of them read the first time.

The Bill for the Navy, and the Bill for restitution in Blood of M ^r West, were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Secretary; and the Bill for Southampton, and the Bill for Bowyers, were sent from the Lord's by M ^r Comptroller.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for unlading of Malmesies and Sweet Wines at Southhampton, was read the first time.

On Wednesday the 17 ^th day of March, the Proviso to the Bill of Exeter, was read the third time, and passed.

M ^r Sackvil declared from the Queens Majesty, that she would take Order to make allowance for Justices Diets; and that Commissioners should be sent to inquire of Vicountels that may be levied, and the rest, Order should be taken for the discharge thereof.

Michael Poultney Esquire, Burgess for Lichfeild, Robert Buckstones, Burgess for Horsam in Sussex, and Henry Green Citizen for the City of Hereford, were for their several affairs Licensed to be absent.

On Thursday the 18 ^th day of March, the Proviso to the Bill of Bowyers, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill against phantastical Prophecies, The Bill for punishment of Witchcrafts, And the Bill against willful Perjury, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon, the Bill for the uniting of Churches by the Bishop, so that the value be not above 24 ^l of the Churches united, with two others, were each of them read the first time.

On Friday the 19 ^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for punishment of Invocations of evil Spirits; And the last, That Fines or Recoveries, with Voucher, though the Original be imbezelled, shall be good, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

On Saturday the 20 ^th day of March, the Bill for continuance of Statutes to endure forever, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to M ^r Clare, and others not named; And the Bill against Bankrupts being read also the second time, was (as may be gathered) committed to M ^r Mersh and others not named. Vide consimile on Thursday the 21 ^th day of January foregoing.

M ^r Serjeant Carus, and M ^r Solicitor, brought from the Lord's the Bill against Washing and Clipping of money; The Bill touching Leases made by Viscount Bindon and his Wife, with two others.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, of which one was for the punishment of Witchcraft, and another touching Fines and Recoveries, with Voucher, &c. with two others of no great moment; and immediately the Bill, that Clipping or Washing of money shall be Treason; The Bill for preservation of Woods in Sussex, were each of them read the first time.

John Gardner Gent. Burgess for Dorchester in Dorset, was for his affairs Licensed to be absent.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for the relief of the poor, And the Bill for the uniting of Parish Churches in Cities and Corporate Towns, to the value of 24 ^l , were each of them read the second time.

John Darrington Esq, one of the Knights for the County of Huntingdon, is for his affairs, Licensed to be absent.

On Monday the 22 ^th day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that Clipping and Washing of Monies shall be Treason, was read the second time; but not committed nor engrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

It was Ordered, that William Gerrard, a necessary Witness for M ^r Pledal, as he saith, may be served by the Serjeant, to attend Mr. Haddon at the rising of the House; one of the Committees with the Master of the Rolls, Mr. Recorder and Sir William Arnold and Mr. Norton, discharged of this Examination. Vide plus on Saturday the 10 ^th day of April ensuing.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the paving of Kentish-street, was upon the second reading Ordered to be engrossed.

John Dorrington Esq, Knight for Huntingdon, Humphrey Quarnby Burgess for Nottingham, William Dawtrye Knight for Suffex, Simon Thellwall Knight for Denbigh, for their several necessary affairs, were Licensed to be absent.

Three Bills lastly had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill touching Demurrers in Law.

On Tuesday the 23 ^th day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that Clipping and Washing of money, shall be Felony, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill for increase of Tillage, was brought from the Lord's by M ^r Serjeant Carus.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching Leases to be made by the Lord Thomas Howard Viscount Bindon, and his Wife; And the second, that Henry Howard Esq shall not discontinue Lands that shall descend, were each of them read the second time; but no mention is made, that they were either Ordered to be engrossed, or referred to Committees, because they had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

On Wednesday the 24 ^th day of March, Two Bills had each of them their second reading; of which the latter, being the Bill for Assignment of forty thousand twenty seven pound four shillings and two pence half penny, to the Expences of the Queens Household; which Bill, notwithstanding that it had passed the Upper House, and been sent down from the Lord's to the House of Commons, on Wednesday the 17 ^th day of this instant March foregoing, yet it was committed, or at least referred to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, being an Officer of her Majesty's said Household, to be further considered of; and was lastly passed in the House of Commons, upon the third reading on Saturday the third day of April ensuing; and was then immediately returned back to the Lord's by M ^r Comptroller.

Two Bills were each of them read the third time, of which one being the Bill for Fulling of Caps, by foot and hand, was dashed upon the Question.

Morris William Knight for the County of Carnarvon, for his weighty affairs, was Licensed to be absent.

On Thursday the 25 ^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that the Lord Abergavenny may make Leases for twenty Years, or three Lives; And the second, that Henry Howard Esq shall not discontinue Lands descending to him, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

And the third being the Bill for the Annuity of six pound thirteen shillings and four pence, out of Wandlesworth in Surrey, being the Archbishop of Yorks Lands, to the School of Guildford, was read the third time; but (it should seem) the House did desire to consider further of this Bill; and thereupon passed it not at this time, but gave it a fourth reading, on Tuesday the 30 ^th day of this instant March ensuing; and then it passed the House.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for payment of Alneagers Fees, for Sealing Cloaths in Lancashire, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

On Friday the 26 ^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being that the Lord Howard, and the Lady Elizabeth his Wife, may make Leases, &c. was read the third time, and passed.

On Saturday the 27 ^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that the Bible and the Divine Service may be translated into the Welch Tongue, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill touching Worsted Woolls, and the Bill against Servants imbezelling their Masters Goods, were brought from the Lord's by M ^r Serjeant Carus.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill that the Inhabitants of Norfolk and Suffolk, may sell again course Woolls, was read the first time; And the Proviso also from the Lord's to the Bill for Deer and Hawks, was read the first time.

Five Bills also had each of them one reading; of which one being for Killing of Crows was committed, as it should seem, to Mr. Ashley; Another to avoid Nets for Fishing in the Thames, was read the second time, and committed to Mr. Cure; And the last touching the Assize of Barrels, was upon the second reading, committed to Mr. Grafton, and others not named.

On Monday the 29 ^th day of March, the Proviso to the Bill for Stealing of Deer, &c. was read the first time; and three other Bills being of no great moment, were each of them read the second time; of which one was the Bill for increase of Tillage.

The Bill de Excommunicato capiendo, and the Bill for the making of Goals, were brought from the Lord's by Mr. Attorney.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon four Bills had each of them their first reading; of which the last was the Bill touching Tanners, Shoemakers, and other Artificers occupying Leather.

On Tuesday the 30 ^th day of March, the Bill to continue the Act for making of Goals, was read the second time; but no mention is made, that it was either Ordered to be engrossed, or referred to Committees; because it had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

The Bill also for the School-House at Guildford, was read the fourth time, and passed the House.

Nota, That here a Bill was read the fourth time, before it passed the House (having had its third reading on Thursday the 25 ^th day of this instant March foregoing) of which, though there want not other Presidents, yet it is rare and worth the observation.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Secretary, and others, of which one was the last mentioned Bill, touching the School-House at Guildford.

The Master of the Rolls with other Committees in the Cause of Forgery suspected upon Pledal, declared great and vehement suspicion to be in Pledall; and where Pledall by the Committees, was Commanded not to speak with the person of Monkton Farley, he notwithstanding sent for him, and spake with him in the night, which person is likewise suspected; whereupon Pledall said, he did not remember any such Commandment; and thereupon Order was taken, that the Committees should put their doings in this Case in Writing, and send them to the House this Afternoon, and that they should be read to Pledall; and he to Answer them, either by word or writing. Vide touching this matter on Saturday the 10 ^th day of April ensuing.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being that the Lord Chancellor may direct Commissions to the Bishop, for increase of the Living of Ministers, &c. was read the first time.

On Wednesday the last day of March, the Proviso to the Bill against Stealing of Fish, Deer and Hawks, was read the third time, and passed; And the Bill that Sweet-Wines bought by Strangers, shall be brought to Southampton, was read the third time, and passed.

On Thursday the first day of April, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second touching Enrollments of Deeds in Lancaster, And the last for the relief of the Poor, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for sale of course Woolls in Norfolk and Suffolk, was read the second time; but neither Committed nor Ordered to be engrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

On Friday the 2 ^d day of April, the Bill for Artificers, Laborers, &c. was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

On Saturday the 3 ^d day of April, Four Bills were sent up to the Lord's, by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain; of which one was the Bill for the relief of the Poor.

The Bill for the Assignment of forty thousand twenty seven pound four shillings and two pence half penny, to the Queens Household, with three Provisoes from this House, was read the third time and passed; and sent to the Lord's by Mr. Comptroller.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for taking and destroying of Crows, Rooks, &c. was read the first time.

On Monday the 5 ^th day of April, Mr. Serjeant Carus, and Mr. Solicitor, brought from the Lord's the Bill for Wales.

The Bill touching Tanners, Curriers and Shomakers, was read the third time and passed, and sent to the Lord's by Mr. Secretary; together with the Bill for Restitution in Blood of William Iseley.

The Bill to avoid fraudulent Gifts, by any Convicted of Premunire, was read the third time, and dashed by the division of the House, viz. against the Bill eighty nine, and with the Bill sixty three.

Post Meridiem.

A Proviso to the Bill for Wales, was read the first, second and third time, and thereupon passed the House.

The Bill to revive the Statute against Servants imbezelling their Masters Goods, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill lastly, that Cloathiers for every Cloth of Woollen, or thirty Kersies, shall make a piece of Linnen-Cloth, of twenty Yards long, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Norton, and others not named.

On Tuesday the 6 ^th day of April, the Bill to avoid fraudulent Gifts, and the Bill against Servants embezelling their Masters Goods, were sent up to the Lord's by Sir Anthony Coke.

Three Bills also had each of them their third reading, and passed the House; of which the first being the Bill touching Artificers, Servants of Husbandry, Laborers and Apprentices, was sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Comptroller.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for the Order of Bankrupts and their Goods, Chattels, Lands and Tenements, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Wednesday the 7 ^th day of April, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that the Alneager of Lancaster shall Seal the Cloaths there made, was read the third time, and passed the House; and was with two others, sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Secretary.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for increase of Tillage, and reedifying of decayed Houses of Husbandry, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Thursday the 8 ^th day of April, the Bill touching Hat-makers, and Felt-makers, to buy Spanish Wooll; And the Bill to avoid the dressed Flax brought out of Flanders, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House; and were with two others, sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Secretary.

The Bill for destruction of Crows, Rooks, &c. and other such Vermin, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill also for paving of Kentish-street near Southwark; And the Bill that Sanctuary shall not be allowable for Debt, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House; and were sent to the Lord's by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon a Proviso to the Bill for repairing of Goals, and a Proviso to the Bill de Excommunicato capiendo, were each of them read the first and second time.

On Friday the 9 ^th day of April, the Proviso added to the Bill de Excommunicat. capiend. was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill also for destruction of Rooks, Crows and Coughs, and such other Vermin, was read the third time, and passed the House; and immediately sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Vice-Chamberlain.

The new Bill for uniting of Churches in Boroughs or Towns, being under the value of twenty Marks, was read the first time; And the Proviso lastly of this House to the Bill for repairing of Goals, was read the third time, and passed.

On Saturday the 10 ^th day of April, It was Ordered that M ^r Pleddall shall have the Copies of such Examinations and Writings, as have been certified into this House; by the Master of the Rolls and other Committees; and also that M ^r Francis Newdigate may have like Copies; And that such Evidence, as M ^r Pleddall hath delivered to the Committees hands, may remain under their Seals, and M ^r Pleddall's Seal in the keeping of the Officer of the Rolls, that useth to keep the Evidences there. Vide concerning this matter on Monday the 22 ^th day, and on Tuesday the 30 ^th day of March foregoing.

The Bill for repairing of Goals was sent up to the Lord's, by M ^r Vice-Chamberlain.

The Queens Majesty's free and general Pardon, Signed with her Graces Hand, was brought from the Lord's, by M ^r Attorney, and M ^r Solicitor, and immediately read the third time, and passed.

Nota, That this Bill touching her Majesty's Pardon, passed upon the first reading; whereas other Bills do never pass till after the third.

A Proviso sent down to the House of Commons from the Lord's, touching the Bill of Bankrupts; And the addition to the Bill concerning Purveyors, were read the first, second and third time, and passed the House.

In the Afternoon about three of the Clock, the Queens Majesty sitting in her Royal Seat, M ^r Speaker made an Excellent Oration, rehearsing divers Laws made by divers Queens of this Realm, and requiring the Queen to Assent to the Acts past both Houses, and presented to her Majesty the Book of Subsidy, and the Book of the general Pardon, with most humble thanks for the same. And the Lord Keeper, by the Queens Commandment, gave great thanks unto the Nobility and Commons, and earnestly required them severally in their Countries, to look that the Laws might be Executed. And touching the Succession, the Queen Commanded the Lord Keeper to declare her Highness device thereof; the effect and conclusion whereof was, that for the great weight of the matter, her Majesty minded to take further advice: Vide plus concerning this matter of Succession on Thursday the 28. day of January, and on Tuesday the 16. day of February foregoing.

Then were the several Titles of the Acts read, and thirty one public Statutes, and seventeen private, were made Laws by her Majesty's Royal Assent. And then this Parliament was Prorogued until the second day of October next.

At which second day of October, for that the Plague was great in London and Westminster; The Queens Majesty's Letters Patents of Commission, were directed to the Lord Treasurer of England, and other Bishops, and Lord's of the Upper House, to Prorogue this Parliament unto the fifth day of October, 1564. which was done accordingly in the presence of the said Lord's, and a few of the House of Commons, Mr. Speaker not being there.

At which fifth day of October, this Parliament was further Prorogued by the Queens Majesty's Commission Patent, unto the 30. day of April, the next ensuing, M ^r Speaker not being there.

At which 30. day of April, It was then further Prorogued unto the 4. day of October then next following, M ^r Speaker not being there.

At which fourth day of October, Anno Domini 1565. Anno Septimo Reginae Elizabeth. It was then further Prorogued unto the 7. day of February then next following, M ^r Speaker not being there.

At which 7. day of Feb. 1565. & Anno Elizabethae Reginae Octavo, It was then further Prorogued unto the 30. day of Sept. then next following.

THE JOURNAL OF THE House of LORD'S.

THIS Parliament de An. 8 Regin. Eliz. being in Law but one and the same with that held in an. 5 Reginae ejusdem, An. Dom. 1563. although not Assembled till about three Years after, was in the mean time never Dissolved, but only Prorogued from time to time by six several Prorogations, whereof the two first falling out in the said fifth Year of the Queen, are there mentioned as most properly belonging to the first Session of this Parliament (although the latter of them be entered at large in the Journal-Book de an. 8 Regin. Eliz. ) and the four last of the said fix Prorogations do all here follow before the beginning of this Journal of Parliament of the passages of the Upper House (being full of excellent and rare matter) as necessary matter of preparation unto it, being in Law (as hath been observed) but the second Session of that former Parliament Assembled in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. predictae, whereof those two former Prorogations (as they do at large appear in the end of the Journal of the Upper House of that fifth year of the Queen) were the first of them from Saturday the 10 ^th day of April, on which day that said first Session of this Parliament ended in that fifth year aforesaid, to the second day of October next ensuing, de an. 5. Reginae ejusdem; and the second Prorogation of those foresaid two former, was from the said second day of October in the said fifth Year of the Queen, to the 5 ^th day of October, which should be in an. 6 Regin. Eliz. An. Dom. 1564. upon which foresaid 5 ^th day of October in an. 6 Regin. supradictae, Anno{que} Dom. 1564. Prorogatum fuit ulterius praedictum Parliamentum modo & forma sequentibus.

Memorandum quod quinto die Octobris Anno Regni Elizabethae Dei gratiâ Angliae, Franciae & Hiberniae Reginae, fidei defensor. &c. Sexto, in quem diem praesens hoc Parliamentum Prorogatum fuerat, convenerunt Domini tam spirituales quam Temporales, quorum nomina subsequuntur.

Archiepiscopus Cantuarien., Marchio Winton. Thesaurarius, Comes Suffex; Comes Huntingdon, Episcopus London., Episcopus Roffen., Dominus Clinton Admirallus, Dominus Howard Camerarius, Dominus Cobham, Dominus Hunsdon.

Qui cum convenissent una cum populi at{que} Burgensium, ut vocant, satis magna frequentia, praedictus Archiepiscopus Cantuarien. paucis verbis declaravit conventum Procerum & populi, quem Parliamentum vocant, in hunc diem destinatum, à dicta domina Regina, ccrtis quibusdam de causis & considerationibus illam ad id specialiter moven. differri in tricesimum diem Aprilis prox. futurum; at{que} ut tam proceribus quam populo palam fieret Regiam Majestatem ita constituisse, Literas Commissorias dict. Dominae Reginae Francisco Spilman Armig. Clerico Parliamenti publice & clarâ voice legendas in manus tradidii, Earum autem Tenor sequitur in haec verba.

Elizabetha Dei gratiâ Angliae, Franciae & Hiberniae Regina, fidei defensor, &c. Reverendissimo in Christo Patri, Matheo Cantuarien. Archiepiscopo totius Angliae Primati & Metropolitano, ac Charissimo Consanguineo & Consiliario suo Willielmo Marchioni Winton. Thesaurario Angliae, ncc non charissimis consanguineis suis Thomae Comiti Sussex, Henrico Comiti Huntingdon, Reverendis in Christo patribus Edmundo Episcopo London., Edmundo Episcopo Roffen., ac etiam praedilectis & fidelibus consiliariis suis Edwardo Domino Clinton, magno Admirallo suo Angliae, Willielmo Domino Howard de Essingham Domino Camerario suo, ac praedilectis & sidelibus suis Willielmo Domino Cobham Gardiano sive Custodi quin{que} portuum suorum, ac Henrico Domino Hunsdon, salutem. Cum nuper pro quibusdam arduis & urgentibus negotiis, nos, statum & defensionem Regni nostri Angliae ac Ecclesiae Anglicanae concernen., praesens hoc Parliamentum nostrum apud Civitat. nostram Westmonasterii duodecimo die Januarii Anno regni nostri Quinto inchoari & teneri ordinaverimus, à quo die idem Parliamentum nostrum tunc & ibidem tent. & continuat. fuerat us{que} decimum diem Aprilis tunc prox. sequen. ac post diversas Prorogationes idem Parliamentum nostrum us{que} ad & in instantem Quintum diem Octobris Prorogatum, ibidemque tunc tenend. & prosequend. Sciatis tamen quod certis urgentibus causis & considerationibus nos specialiter moven., idem Parliamentum nostrum ulterius Prorogand, duximus; de sidelitate igitur, prudentiâ & circumspectione vestris plurimum considentes, de avisamento & assensu Concilii nostri, assignavimus vos & tres vestrum, dantes vobis novem, octo, septem, sex, quinque, quatuor, & tribus vestrum tenore praesentium, plenam potestatem, facultatem & authoritatem, hoc instan. die Jovis ad praesens Parliamentum nostrum nomine nostro, ad & in tricesimum Aprilis prox. futur. us{que} praedictam Civitatem nostram Westmonasterii Prorogand, & continuand., ibidem{que} tunc tenend. & prosequend.: & ideo vobis mandamus, quod circa praemissa diligenter intendatis, & ea in formâ praedicta effect ualiter expleatis. Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Ducibus, Magnatibus, Comitibus, Vice-Comitibus, Episcopis, Baronibus, Militibus, Civibus & Burgen. ac omnibus ahis quorum interest, ad dictum Parliamentum conventur. tenore praesentium firmiter in mandatis, quod vobis in praenissis faciend. pareant, obediant, & intendant, prout decet. In cujus rei testimonium has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipsa apud Westmonasterium, Quinto die Octobris, Anno Regni nostri Sexto.

The like Commission, bearing date 30. die Aprilis An. 7 Eliz. was directed unto the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Marquess of Winchester Lord Treasurer, the Duke of Norsolk Earl Marshal of England, the Earl of Arundel, the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Earl of Derby, Thomas Earl of Sussex, the Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Leicester, the Bishop of London, and the Bishop of Rochester, the Lord Cobham, Warden of the Cinque-Ports, the Lord Wentworth, and the Lord Hunsdon, Authorizing them 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, &c. or three of them to Prorogue and continue the Parliament, ut supra in the other Commissions, mutatis mutandis, unto the 4 ^th day of October next coming. Teste me ipsa apud Westmonasterium 30 die Aprilis Anno Regni nostri Septimo.

On which 30 ^th day of April, the Lord Treasurer, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Arundel, the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Sussex, the Earls of Huntingdon, Pembroke, and Warwick, the Bishop of London, the Lord Admiral, the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Cobham, the Lord Wentworth, and the Lord Hunsdon, did meet in the Parliament Chamber, and in due and accustomed Form did Adjourn the Parliament unto the 4 ^th day of October according to the said Commission last specified; and caused the said Commission to be publicly read by Francis Spilman Esq, Clerk of the Parliament, in hearing of the Commons then also present, according to ancient Custom in that behalf.

On the 4 ^th day of October Anno Regni Reginae Eliz. Septimo, The like Commission ut supra, bearing date the said 4 ^th day of October, directed unto the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Marquess of Winchester Lord Treasurer, the Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal of England, the Earl of Sussex Chief Justice of all Forrests, &c. on this side Trent, Ambrose Earl of Warwick Master of the Ordnance, the Bishop of London, and the Bishop of Rochester, Edward Lord Clinton great Admiral of England, William Lord Howard of Effingham Lord Chamberlain, Thomas Lord Wentworth, and Henry Lord Hunsdon, authorizing them 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3. ut antea, mutatis mutandis, to Prorogue and continue the same Parliament, in Septimum diem Februarii prox. futurum. Teste me ipsa apud Westmonasterium 4 die Octobris, Anno Regni nostri Septimo. Which Commission was read by the Clerk of the Parliament, in the Parliament Chamber, in presence of ten of the Commissioners, and of the Commons.

Memorandum quod hodie septimo die Februarii, Anno Regni Eliz. Dei gratiâ Angliae, Franciae & Hiberniae Reginae sidei defensor. &c. Octavo, in quem diem praesens hoc Parliamentum Prorogatum suer at, convenerunt Domini tam spirituales quam temporales quorum nomina subsequuntur, viz.

Archiepiscopus Cantuarien., Nicolaus Bacon Miles, Custos magni Sigilli, Marchio Winton. Thesaurar, Dux Norfolc. Comes Marescallus, Marchio North, Comes Sussex, Comes Warwick, Episcopus London., Episcopus Roffen., Dominus Clinton Admirallus, Dominus Howard Camerarius, Dominus Wentworth, & Dominus de Hunsdon.

Qui cum convenissent, unà cum populi at{que} Burgen. ut vocant, satis magnâ frequentiâ, praedictus Nicolaus Bacon Miles, Dominus Custos magni Sigilli, paucis verbis declaravit conventum Procerum & populi, quem Parliamentum vocant, in hunc diem destinatum, à dictâ Dominâ Reginâ, certis quibusdam de causis & considerationibus illam ad id specialiter moven., differri in 30 diem Septembris prox. futur.

These foregoing Prorogations of this present Session of Parliament, being thus at large, or abstractedly transcribed, now follows in Order the Assembling and Meeting of both Houses in their several places, on Monday the 30 ^th day of September, to which day it had been last Prorogued, so that either House going on where they last left, there was no Meeting in the Upper House at all of both Houses, nor the Queen came not in Person, as she used to do when a new Parliament began, nor hath it ever been used in latter times upon a mere Prorogation; but yet on Wednesday the second day of October following, by reason of the Choice of a new Speaker in the House of Commons, which was occasioned by the Death of the former, the Queens Majesty came in her accustomed Royalty, as at the beginning of a Parliament is usual, and there admitted of their new Speaker, presented unto her, whom they had Chosen but the day before, by virtue of her Majesty's Commission, all which in due Form and Order follows.

On Monday the 30. day of September, to which day this present Session of Parliament had been last Prorogued, there Assembled in the Upper House according to the usual form and course (as also the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons did in their own proper place) Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the great Seal of England, the Lord Archbishop of York, the Lord Marquess of Winchester Lord Treasurer of England, the Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal of England, the Marquess of Northampton, with divers Earls, Viscounts, Bishops and Barons; the particular setting down of whose names is purposely omitted here (although it were the first day of their Assembling together) because they are at large set down on the second day of October following being Wednesday; when by reason of her Majesty's coming in Person to the Upper House, the presence of the Lord's was somewhat greater than upon this instant Monday.

Hodie retornatum fuit Breve, quo Edwardus Dominus Stafford ad praesens Parliament. summonitus fuit, qui admissus est ad suum praeheminentiae locum salvo semper jure superioris sedentis. Consimile pro Henrico Domino Paget. Consimile pro Rogero Domino North. Consimile pro Roberto Comite Leicestriae. Consimile pro Henrico Comite Westmorl.

This day Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Highness Household, Sir Francis Knolles Knight, her Highness Vice-Chamberlain, Sir William Cecil Knight, her Highness Principal Secretary, and Sir Ambrose Cave Knight, Chancellor of her Highness Duchy of Lancaster, four Chief Members of the House of Commons, and divers others of that Assembly to the number of twenty persons, being sent up to the Lord's from that House upon some urgent and weighty occasions, desired to be admitted into the Upper House, there to make known to their Lordships somewhat wherein they should require their advice, and need their assistance; upon which, being admitted, the said M ^r Comptroller, assisted with the Personages and Company aforesaid, did in comely order and discreet modesty, make manifest and known unto the said Lord's, that Thomas Williams Esquire, their late Speàker in the last Session of this Parliament, in the fifth Year of the Queens Majesty that now is, was bereft from them by Death, which had been openly and manifestly made known and testified unto them; for remedy of which defection, they humbly prayed their Lordships advice; after which the Lord Keeper, first requiring the said Personages a while to withdraw themselves, and then commending the Order of the matter to the Lord's sitting in consultation for the same, it was by them all upon considerate advice therein had, thought fit to signify unto the said Commons by the Personages aforesaid, that they thought it expedient and good, the said Lord Keeper, the Lord Treasurer of England, the Duke his Grace of Norfolk, and the Lord Marquess of Northampton, with the four forecited Personages of the said House of Commons, being also of her Highness most Honorable Privy-Council, should in the name of both of the Assemblies, with all humbleness and due celerity, make intimation of their said Estate, and the Petition thereupon depending, unto her said Highness, to which advice the said House of Commons, upon knowledge had of the same, wholly assented.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Martis primum Octobris.

On Tuesday the first day of October, the Bill for the making void of fraudulent Gifts and Alienations, was read primâ vice.

The Queen, having been moved as it seemeth the day past about the Death of the former Speaker, and the Choice of a new one in the House of Commons, by those eight Right Honorable Personages, who were then and there named to move her Highness in it; did give Order, that this present Tuesday, both the Lord's and Commons should Assemble, and meet together in the Parliament Chamber, there to receive her Majesty's Answer. Where being Assembled, the Lord Keeper shown forth a Commission from her Highness, under the great Seal of England, which was directed unto him only; the tenor whereof is set down at large in the Journal of the House of Commons, de An. isto 8 Regin. Eliz. (to which House it properly belonged) viz. That in respect Thomas Williams Esq the former Speaker was dead, therefore the Lord Keeper was for her Majesty, and in her Name, to will and Command the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the said House of Commons, to resort unto their accustomed place, and there to Elect and choose amongst themselves, one able and sufficient person, to be their Speaker, for the rest of this present Parliament, yet to come. And after they should have made their Election, that then three or four of them, for, and in all their names, should signify the same unto her Majesty, and thereupon her Highness would further signify her pleasure unto them, what day and time they should present him so Elected before her, as it had been used formerly in like Cases to be done.

There was this day no other Bill, or other business agitated in the Upper House; for immediately upon the reading of the last above-mentioned Commission, the Continuance of the Parliament is Entred in the Original Journal-Book of the said House, in manner and form following, viz.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} diem Mercurii secundum diem Octobris.

On Wednesday the second day of October, it seemeth there was no meeting of the Lord's, nor anything done in the Forenoon; neither is any mention made in the foregoing continuance of this Parliament by the Lord Keeper, to what Hour of this Wednesday it was continued; which is usual in other continuations of it. But the reason why they met not till the Afternoon, seemeth to be, because then the Queens Majesty herself came thither; to whom Richard Onslow Esq her Majesty's Solicitor, having been Chosen Speaker for the House of Commons the day past, was presented, and admitted by her, in manner and form as followeth.

About three of the Clock in the Afternoon this present Wednesday, the second day of October, the Queens Majesty took her Barge, and Landed on the back-side of the Parliament-Chamber; and so the Earl of Northumberland bearing the Sword, the Lady Strainge her Trayn, with the Lord's in their daily Apparel, and the Heralds attending on her, she proceeded up into the Privy-Chamber, to prepare herself; during which time the Lord's and Justices put on their Parliament Robes, and took their places in manner and form following. In which it is to be noted, that no part of this days passages already set down, is found in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House; but is either transcribed out of a certain Anonymous memorial I had by me, in which the presentment of the Speaker this day, is somewhat exactly set down, or was supplied by myself, upon the comparing of several things together. Now follow the Names of the Lord's and others as aforesaid.

First on the Form on the North-side, together with the Upper Form at the nether end, sat the Bishops as followeth.

• Younge Archbishop of York.
• Grindall Bishop of London.
• Pilkington Bishop of Durham.
• Sands Bishop of Winchester.
• Birkley Bishop of Bath and Wells.
• Bett. Bishop of Carlisle.
• Barlow Bishop of Chichester.
• Alleo Bishop of Exeter.
• Gest. Bishop of Rochester.
• Skamler Bishop of Peterburgh.
• Horne Bishop of Worcester.
• Bullingham Bishop of Lincoln.
• Bentam Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield.
• Denham Bishop of Chester.
• Scorie Bishop of Hereford.
• Davies Bishop of S ^t David's.
• Parkhurst Bishop of Norwich.
• Cheyney Bishop of Gloucester.

Nota, That these names with those that follow, being transcribed in a different manner from all others in the residue of the Journals of the Queens time, were so found with the Names of the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal added to them, in that before-mentioned Anonymous memorial of this present Wednesdays passages, being the second day of October; and were therefore transcribed out of it, as is aforesaid, rather than out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House; although the Series of them that were present set down there, did serve well to rectify those foregoing, and these also that next ensue.

At the foremost Form on the South-side, sat these Peers, viz.

• William Paulet Marquess of Winchester, Lord Treasurer.
• Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshall of England.
• William Parre Marquess of Northampton.
• Thomas Peircie Earl of Northumberland.
• Charles Nevill Earl of Westmorland.
• George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury.
• William Sommerset alias Plantagenet Earl of Worcester.
• Thomas Ratcliff Earl of Sussex.
• Henry Haistings Earl of Huntingdon.
• Edward Seymor Earl of Hartford.
• Robert Sutton alias Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and Master of the Horse.
• Anthony Brown Viscount Montague.

Nota, That Edward de Vere Earl of Oxford, Lord Great Chamberlain of England, Edward Manors Earl of Rutland, William Bowrchier Earl of Bath, and Henry Wriotheisly Earl of Southhampton; were at this time under Age, and in Ward to the Queen; and therefore they were not admitted to take their places in the Uppermost House, but (if they were present) did either stand besides the upper part of the Rail, at the higher end of the said House, or were admitted to kneel at the upper end of the same House, near the Chair of State, at this time, and upon like solemn days; for no Peer is admitted to have his free Voice, or sit as a Member of that Great Council, until he have accomplished his full Age, unless by the special Grace of the Prince.

At the Form at their back, and the nether Form at the nether end, sat these Peers.

• Fynes Lord Clinton, as Lord Admiral, sat first amongst the Barons.
• Howard Lord Effingham, as Lord Chamberlain of her Majesty's Household, sat second.
• Nevill Lord of Burgaveny, sat in his due place of preeminence, and so the rest that follow, unless such as were misplaced by the Clerks error, which is too frequent.
• Zouch Lord Zouch.
• Standley Lord Strange.
• Birkley Lord Birkley.
• Parker Lord Morley.
• Brooke Lord Cobham.
• Stafford Lord Stafford.
• Gray Lord Gray of Wilton.
• Sutton Lord Dudley.
• Lumley Lord Lumley.
• Blunt Lord Mountjoy.
• Darcy Lord Darcy of Mevill.
• Standley Lord Mounteagle.
• Sands Lord Sands.
• Vaux Lord Vaux.
• Windsor Lord Windsor.
• Wentworth Lord Wentworth.
• Burrough Lord Borough.
• Mordant Lord Mordant.
• Cromwell Lord Cromwell.
• Evers Lord Evers.
• Willoughby Lord Willoughby.
• Sheffeild Lord Sheffeild.
• Paget Lord Paget.
• Darcy de Chiche Dominus Darcy.
• North Lord North of Carthelige.
• Bridges Lord Shandois.
• Haistings Lord Haistings of Loughborough.
• Carey Lord Carey of Hunsdon.
• S ^t John Lord S ^t John of Bletsoe.

Nota, That Dutchet Lord Audley, and the Lord Dacres of the North, were under Age.

All which Peers abovesaid had their Mantles, Hood and Circots furred with Miniver, their Arms put on the right side, and the Duke of Norfolk had Bars of Miniver; the Marquess of Winchester and Northampton had three Bars of Miniver, the Earls likewise; the Viscounts two, and the Barons two.

Item, On the upper Sack of Wooll sat the Lord Keeper, till the Queen came; and then went to his place at the Rail. On the Woolsack on the Northside, sat Sir Robert Catlin, and Sir James Dyer, the Queens two Chief Justices, M ^r Corbet Weston and Southcote Justices of both Benches; on the Woolsack on the Southside, sat Sir William Cecil the Queens Principal Secretary, Sir William Cordall Master of the Rolls, Sir Thomas Sanders Chief Baron, Baron Whiddon ..... Carus the Queens Serjeant, ..... Gerrard the Queens Attorney; and on the nether Sack sat M ^r Vaughan, and Yale, Masters of the Chancery, M ^r Spilman Clerk of the Parliament, M ^r Martin Clerk of the Crown, and M ^r Peile his Joint Patentee. And behind them kneeled Smith, Clerk of the Council, and Jones Clerk of the Signet, Permiter and Dister.

Then the Queens Majesty being Apparelled in her Parliament Robes, with a Caul on her Head, came forth, and took her Seat; the Marquess of Northampton carrying the Cap of Maintenance; and after stood on her right hand the Duke of Norfolk, carrying his Marshals Rod, and on her left hand the Earl of Northumberland, with the Sword, the Heralds also and Serjeants at Arms being before her; her Majesty's Mantle was born up on either side from her Shoulders, by the Lord Chamberlain and the Lord of Hunsdon, who also stood still by her, for the assisting thereof; when she stood up, her Train was born by the Lady Strange, assisted by Sir Francis Knolles Vice-Chamberlain; at the left hand of the Queen, and on the South-side, kneeled the Ladies, and at the Rail at the Queens back, on the right hand, stood the Lord Keeper; and on the left hand the Lord Treasurer.

Then the Queen (as aforesaid) being placed at the South Door, came in the House of Commons, bringing in between Sir Edward Rogers Comptroller of the Queens House and Sir Francis Knolles Vice-Chamberlain, M ^r Richard Onslow Esq the Queens Solicitor, whom they had Chosen for their Speaker, and after a Reverence done, proceeded after down to the Wall, and from thence came up to the Rail, in the way doing three Reverences, and then began the said Speaker to say, as followeth.

IF it please your Royal Majesty, most Virtuous and most Excellent Princess, At the humble Suit of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of your nether House of Parliament, now Assembled, was signified from your Majesty, by the mouth of the Lord Keeper, by force of your Highness Letters of Commission, your pleasure and grant of free Election to the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, to choose a fit, and learned man, to be their Speaker, instead of Thomas Williams Esq their late Speaker, whom it hath pleased God to call to his Mercy. For which they have Commanded me, in their Names, to render unto your Majesty most humble thanks; And have Commanded and forced me, to my great grief, to signify to your Majesty, how accordingly they have proceeded to an Election, and chosen and assigned me (as I may say) being most unworthy to speak in this place, for this Parliament; and for that I would not be obstinate, I am forced to wound myself with their Sword, which wound yet being green and new, your Majesty being the perfect Physician, may Cure in disallowing that which they have allowed; for that, without your consent it is nothing. And although I being very loath to trouble your Highness, have made Suit and used all ways and means to avoid it, yet could I find no remedy; and therefore am driven to seek remedy at your hands; for though I have the experience of their uprightness, wisdom and knowledge, which chose me, who if they would have found any fault in me, I would lightly have believed them (notwithstanding that we are for the most part given to think too much of ourselves) but in this day, that they seem to enable me to this calling, whereof I know myself unable, I cannot credit them, no more than the simple Patient grievously tormented with sickness, will believe the Physician, nay the whole College of them, if they say he hath no grief, pain or sickness. I therefore do not attempt this releasing of me for any ease of myself, but would be glad to serve your Majesty, to the uttermost of my Power, in the Office of Sollicitorship, whereunto I am appointed, and not in this, being unfit for the same; and that for divers Causes. For first, I consider, I have to deal with many well Learned, the Flower and Choice of the Realm, whose deep understanding my Wit cannot attain to reach unto. No, if they for great carefulness would often inculcate. it into my dull Head, to signify the same unto your Highness, yet my Memory is so slippery by Nature and Sickness, that I should likely lose it by the way; yet if perhaps I kept part thereof, I have no other knowledge to help myself withal, but a little in the Law, far inferior to divers in this House; and so should want Learning and Utterance to declare their meanings, as it requireth; specially when I consider your Royal Majesty, a Princess endowed with so many Virtues, Learning and flowing Eloquence, it will abash and astonish me; and therefore finding these infirmities, and other in me, I think myself most unworthy of this place. I trust therefore only in your Highness, that you will disallow this Election; and the rather, for that by the true intent of your said Letters, it may not be gathered that they should elect any of your Majesty's Officers; for although the words be to have their free Election, yet the Law may restrain them in some measure: As for Example, we find in the Law, that if it would please your Majesty, to grant Licence to a Dean and Chapter, to purchase to them and their Successors, a hundred pound yearly; which words be generally: yet if the purchased Lands be holden in Capite, this grant is void. And again, if you grant the Fines and Amerciaments of all your Tenants to one, who after chanceth to be Sheriff of a Shire, yet being a Sheriff he cannot have them. So this (me seemeth) if it please your Highness, serveth my Case. Another Cause is for want of substance to maintain this my Countenance; but yet your Majesty's goodness in this point stoppeth my Mouth, for that I have none other living, but in manner by you. So for all these considerations, and divers others, as it shall please your Majesty to consider, I humbly desire your Highness to disallow this Election, Commanding them to repair again together, and to choose another more fit, to serve the same. And so he ended, and did his Reverence.

Then the Queen called the Keeper, declaring her opinion in Answering him, who returning to his place, said as followeth.

M ^r Onslow, The Queens Majesty hath heard and well understood this disabling yourself to this Office; and doth well perceive your earnest Suit to be discharged of the same; and for Answer, hath Commanded me to say, that she doubteth not, but you very well understand, that when one is chosen to serve the Common-Wealth, it is not in him which is called, who hath appointed him thereunto. Also there is an old similitude, that like as it appertaineth to the head, to dispose every inferior member in his place, so it pertaineth to the Queens Majesty, being the Head, to appoint everyone in the Common-Wealth; This being truth, and her Majesty withal remembering your Fidelity and long Experience in Parliament matters, and again being chosen by so learned and expert men, thinketh therefore your fitness needeth not to be disputed here, and therefore they giving unto you such Faith and Credit, according to an Antient Custom, she cannot but do the like; and also you in disabling yourself have abled yourself, and therefore she doth allow and approve this their Election, nothing doubting her opinion in your ability to serve this turn; and so ended.

M ^r Onslow's Answer.

Then her Majesty called the Lord Keeper, and Commanded him to Answer him, which he did as followeth.

M ^r Speaker, The Queens Majesty hath heard your humble Petitions, and request made unto her, the effect whereof she gathereth to stand in two points; first, for access to her person; and secondly, for good interpretation of your meaning, and also larger Declaration thereof, if need be. For the former, her Highness (as her Noble Progenitors have done) is well contented, that in convenient time, and for convenient Causes, in -convenient place, and without importunity (for that these parts now touched, have not been afore this time so well handled, as she trusteth now it shall be) which considered, as free access she granteth you, as any other hath had. For the second point, because no man at all times may do so well, but sometimes things may be uttered, which may be mispoken; for which cause, in that time also you shall have her intreatable; but she thinketh your circumspection to be such as she shall not therein need. And so ended.

Now a word or two to remember you here present of both the Houses; first, this it is that I would advise you in this your proceeding, to prefer the most weighty matters first, and not trouble yourselves with small matters, and of no weight; and therein also, that all be done to understand the truth, and to avoid all superfluous matters, and losing or driving away of time. Secondly, It is profitable that you my Lord's, and all others that be here, consider that long time requireth great expenses, and therefore wish you to make Expedition the rather, to avoid the same. And yet not meaning such Expedition, that anything needful to be done, should be lightly passed over, and not substantially done, and seen unto; but only I mean that you should settle yourselves wholly to mighty matters, and those which be necessary, and to spare superfluous things, and which needeth not; And this is the sum I have to say.

Then the Speaker, and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, having made their low Reverence towards her Majesty, departed to their own House; and the Queen (after the Lord Keeper had by her Majesty's Commandment, continued the Parliament unto the Morrow following) returned into her Privy-Chamber, and there shifted her, and then repaired to her Barge; and so to the Court. Hactenus ex Memoriali praefato.

On Thursday the third day of October, were three Bills read; of which the last being the Bill for the better Execution of certain Statutes, and for the reformation of certain disorders used in the Law, was read primâ vice, & tunc commissa Archiepiscopo Cantuarien., Duci Norfolciae, Comiti Mareschall. Angliae, Comiti Salopiae, Comiti Wigorniae, & Comiti Leicester, Episcopo Dunelmen., Episcopo Elien. & Episcopo Carliolen., Domino Cobham, Domino Grey de Wilton, & Domino Haistings, Domino Primario Justiciario Banci Regis, Domino Primario Baroni Scaccarii, & Scrvienti Carus.

Nota, That this days passages are wholly transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, as are also the greatest part of the days following; although the whole proceedings of Wednesday foregoing were inserted out of the before-mentioned Anonymous memorial, touching the Speakers presentment and allowance, which I had by me.

Nota also, That the former Bill touching the better Execution of certain Statutes, &c. was not only committed upon the first reading, which is not usual till after the second, but committed also to the Judges, being but Assistants of the Upper House, and to the Queens Serjeant, being but a mere Attendant upon the same, jointly with the Lord's, the only proper and undoubted Members of that Great Council; which is a matter to be observed, because of later days neither the said Assistants nor Attendant, are ever appointed joint Committees with the Lord's, as here; but only Commanded by the House to attend upon the Committee, and there to give such advice, as shall be required from them; which is no greater respect yielded them at a Committee than in the House itself, sitting the Parliament, and were they still admitted to be Committees, as they usually were in all these first Parliaments of the Queen, yet could no inconvenience ensue thereby; because at a Committee things are only prepared, and made ready for the House; in which and nowhere else they ought to be concluded, and expedited.

And Nota lastly, That the Parliament was this day continued to Saturday the 5 ^th day of October